So once readers have not just read, but assimilated Part I, they are invited to jump into Part II, Practice. This half of the book is composed of 14 chapters dealing with specific landscape situations that most gardeners may deal with at some point or another. This is the meat of the book for us doers, or so we think it will be. Rest assured, it is, but often it is potatoes and salad and even a little dessert. With some of these chapters, the author presents scenarios and some possible solutions to the scenarios. Chapters cover such design topics as Foundation Plantings, Lawns and Groundcovers, Gardening on Slopes, Water in the Garden, Children in the Garden and Wood to Garden. Hardscaping is also addressed with chapters on Porches, Decks, and Terraces, Sculpture in the Garden, Utility Areas, and Garden Materials. These are not how to instructions, rather these chapters raise issues that the gardener should consider. We are taught to apply that which is applicable from Part I. We are encouraged to think about our individual situations, for each individual situation will have its own unique set of possible applications.
I would be remiss if I did not mention Lisa Brooks again. Ms. Brooks is the illustrator for this book. Her works are laced sparingly, but effectively through out the book. They use intricate detail to illustrate simply. I found these drawings to be a great pleasure and of particular usefulness in illustrating the topic at hand. I congratulate the author and editor for their judicious use of these fine works by this gifted artesian.
Thank you, Lisa for what is obviously a labor of love.
This is a great small gardening book. What's more it addresses a subject that is often overlooked in today's garden publishing market. It is not so much "how to" as it is "lets consider". It does so gracefully and with little fanfare. Just straight out instruction and thought on the elements and process of garden design, with just the right touch of poetic prose.
My advice? Pick it up, get its solid feel, open its pages and....well.....get lost in it.
Note: this book is out of print, however it may be availabe in well stocked garden book shops and libraries.
The copyright of the article Book Review- Elements of Garden Design by Joe Eck in Plants & Trees is owned by Wesley Ford. Permission to republish Book Review- Elements of Garden Design by Joe Eck in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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