Reviews (10)

Aargh!
While the ideas in the book are certainly good ones, the true basis of a woodworking book is the instructions, measurements, and plans. I started the Adirondack sofa and found that the hardware list did not match up with the instructions or what was actually needed. In addition, the picture of the sofa does not match their instructions...which can be very confusing if this is the first one you've tried. In my opinion, these guys had good ideas but did a poor job of proofreading their work. They really need to fix things and put out an updated addition.

Molly's Reviews

Don't Use The Measurements Given
I have built, the 2x4+1x4 chairs (a bench to match the chairs, as well as foot rests that slide under the bench "all my designs"), the small table and the barbeque table from this book and have to change all the measurements. She has the back supports for the chairs wrong, they don't work, you must use 17 or 17 1/2 inch back supports.Also the seat is too high for the arms so you must either lower the seat or shorten the legs (front and back).They are also uncomfortable for seating as built, I have found that lowering the back of the seat 1 1/2" makes them much more comfortable.After building the chairs, I just used the basic ideas and worked out the measurements for what I wanted since I couldn't trust the ones in the book.I have build some nice things from her basic ideas but they are not her plans but mine. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Design and construction    3. Furniture making    4. Garden Furnishings    5. Garden ornaments and furniture    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Outdoor furniture    8. Woodwork - General    9. COMPUTERS - Persnl Comptg TRD PB    10. Garden design & planning    11. Woodworking   

Editorial Review

Maybe it's the kid in me, but I loved some of these projects and can easily imagine building bigger versions so that I can play, too! Detailed plans for sturdy and attractive swings, seesaws, climbing frames, playhouses, sand pits, forts and castles, pools, and outdoor furniture are included here, and I wanted to build them all. I bet you will too when you see this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Design & Construction    2. Design and construction    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Equipment and supplies    5. Garden Furnishings    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    9. Outdoor recreation    10. Playgrounds    11. Woodwork    12. Handicrafts    13. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games    14. House & Home / Outdoor & Recreational Areas   

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Decorating - General    3. Decoration    4. Decoration and ornament    5. Garden Furnishings    6. Gardening    7. Gardening/Plants    8. History    9. Home Improvement / Construction    10. Interior Design - Style Books    11. Interior decoration    12. Outdoor living spaces    13. Plant forms    14. Reference    15. United States    16. Garden design & planning    17. Handicrafts    18. Home furnishing & decoration    19. decorating   

Subjects:  1. Decorating - General    2. Design    3. Garden Design    4. Garden Furnishings    5. Garden ornaments and furniture    6. Gardening    7. Gardening / Horticulture    8. Gardening/Plants    9. Gardens    10. Landscape gardening    11. Garden design & planning    12. Gardening / Garden Furnishings    13. decorating; garden rooms; furnishings; outdoor rooms; ornaments   

Reviews (3)

What a disappointment - Don't judge a book by it's cover
This is among 5 books I purchased to help me plan setting up my potting shed.The cover picture, and a review, prompted me to purchase.Truly, this is not a helpful book.I also purchased eri Dunn's Potting Places, and THAT's a helpful book, go there to read my review.Penelope O'Sullivan's book, however, seems directed to a group of gardeners I apparently don't fit into.Her ideas are not complete, she is vague, photos are OK, but not inspiring, and some of them are just outrageous - the second from the last photo is of the most ridiculous "cutting room" I have ever seen, and she raves about this lavish room's "practicality", when it is clear by the way the room was propped,that it is completely unuseful.There were columns on either side of the sink!I almost flipped.The inclusion of this photo speaks volumes about the author and her perception of the what the reader is looking for.Sorry, Penelope, but you missed the mark for this reader, and I discourage anyone from choosing this book.

This book will inspire you to want a garden shed.
This book is a necessity for any gardener who is thinking of building apotting shed.This is the book every person needs who has said, "I have anidea in my head and I can't express it,"or "I know what I want, but thevisualization of it hasn't come to me yet." This book, with its beautifulpictures of all types and kinds of sheds and potting areas will enableanyone to dialogue with their builder or landscaper.This is definitely abook designed for the visual. If you are inclined to read the captions, agardener will not be disappointed as the author is knowledgeable about thenames of the planting material.All the examples are of real gardens withreal people using them.This is a book that will be picked up again andagain for inspiration and ideas on putting plants and structures together. Highly recommended for any gardeners' reference library

After looking at this book you will want a garden shed.
This book is a necessity for any gardener who is thinking of building apotting shed.This is book every person needs who has said, "I have anidea in my head and I can't express it,"or "I know what I want, but thevisualization of it hasn't come to me yet." This book, with its beautifulpictures of all types and kinds of sheds and potting areas will enableanyone to dialogue with their builder or landscaper.This is definitely abook designed for the visual.If you are inclined to read the captions, agardener will not be disappointed as the author is knowledgeable about thenames of the planting material.All the examples are of real gardens withreal people using them.This is a book that will be picked up again andagain for inspiration and ideas on putting plants and structures together. Highly recommended for any gardeners' reference library ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Domestic    2. Garden Furnishings    3. Gardening    4. Gardening / Horticulture    5. Gardening/Plants    6. General    7. Landscape design    8. Potting places    9. Potting sheds   

Editorial Review

Window boxes no longer must be the sister of the white picket fence. Calling such diverse receptacles as pumpkins, gourds, hats, a broken earthen pot, and even eggshells to service, authors James Cramer and Dean Johnson, in Read more

Reviews (2)

Splendid- absolutely breathtaking
Mary Sears did a stunning job writing this quaint charmer about window boxes. A lover of window boxes myself for many years, I found this book both helpful and inspiring. Truly worth every cent.

Beautiful window boxes
I received this as a gift and plan to give it to friends. Not only are the writers, clear and concise, but the photographers captured the essence and beauty of every arrangement. Each window box was a delight and no seasonwas forgotten. This is truly a favored coffee table book. book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Container    2. Garden Furnishings    3. Gardening    4. Gardening / Horticulture    5. Gardening/Plants    6. General    7. Window gardening    8. Container gardening    9. Gardening / Container    10. Gardening: plants   

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Furniture Arts And Crafts    3. Furniture making    4. Garden Furnishings    5. Garden ornaments and furniture    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Outdoor furniture    8. Woodwork - Furniture/Cabinetry    9. Woodworking    10. Furniture & furnishings manufacture   

Editorial Review

This book is ideal for the would-be woodworker who has the desire, but may not have the know-how or experience, to build simple, attractive outdoor furniture and garden accessories. Using the step-by-step plans and measurements, anyone willing to work with a hammer and saw can use inexpensive lumber to build some downright elegant chairs, mailboxes, birdhouses, stools, tables, a lattice bower, a potting bench, a planter, a loveseat, and many, many more items. Before launching into the individual projects, the author starts with the basics of materials and supplies, tools, techniques and safety tips; explains how to choose wood for the projects; lays out lumber dimensions and grades; interprets the differences between finishes and stains; describes the different fasteners and screws used in any of the prescribed projects; and gives the reader useful tips on cutting and sanding techniques, along with sound advice on safety needed for any woodworking project.Read more

Reviews (3)

Great Beginner Book
I bought this book for my husband who had no experience with building furniture and little experience with power tools.He has made every project in this book, and several from other "2x4" books with terrific results.The instructions are simple and clear and everything has turned out as pictured.I have recommended this book to everyone who admires our patio furniture and is surprised to hear it's home-made.We have even added decorative painting to some pieces and given them as gifts.Anyone who has taken junior high shop class could handle these projects.

Great book for a beginner
I took my first furniture/carpentry class at the local community college and built the garden sofa pictured on the front cover.I'm a woman and had never tried such a project.The instructions and pictures were terrificand my completed project now has a place of honor in my garden.I highlyrecommend this book if you're a beginner.

Novices beware!
Upon beginning my first project from this book, I was taken aback at the number of mislabelings, wrong dimensions, incorrect drawings and unclear (or downright confusing) instructions. Since this book is meant to appealto woodworkers with little or no previous experience, it surprises me thatso much misinformation found its way into print. A second, corrected,edition could make this flawed first effort into a truly useful resource. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Design and construction    3. Garden Furnishings    4. Garden ornaments and furniture    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Outdoor furniture    7. Woodwork    8. Woodwork - Furniture/Cabinetry    9. Furniture & furnishings manufacture    10. Woodworking   

Editorial Review

Full of solid, practical advice and plenty of how-to pictures, Read more

Reviews (1)

AHS Guides make amateurs into artisans
I've built quite a few stone walls, picket and lattice fences, but lacked the inside tips and foundation provided by a mentor.This book has righted all the wrongs and helped me construct professional-quality pieces thatlast! This AHS guide is just another example of how generous gardeners, inpartnership with the astonishingly talented DK publishing group, helpfellow gardeners achieve their unique and very personal visions. We alsoown the AHS Great Plant Guide, an immensely handy little pocket reference. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Brick walls    3. Design and construction    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Do-It-Yourself - General    6. Do-It-Yourself - Masonry    7. Fences    8. Garden Furnishings    9. Gardening / Horticulture    10. House & Home    11. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    12. Outdoor Structure Construction    13. Stone walls    14. Gardening / Garden Design   

Reviews (4)

Garden Retreats Review
When you make a garden, it doesn't matter what type of garden it is. You will still need structure to help tie it to the earth and sky. Whether you opt for a small arbor or a charming playhouse, this book has ideas and plans to help you fill your garden with structures. From practical plans for garden sheds to fun plans for gazebos, Garden Retreats by David and Jeanie Stileshas ideas for any gardener who enjoys working with wood.
Well done and great drawings
Both my husband and I really enjoyed this book. The projects are interesting and the pencil drawings are great.In one case, we used their project as a starting point and went from there. Lovely daydream book
This is one I'll keep going back to -- in fact some of these projects are really do-able!My only caveat is that the type face, although pretty, is difficult for old eyes to make out even with reading glasses.Fortunately the pictures are lovely enough to be worth the price, all by themselves. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Design and construction    3. Education    4. Garden Furnishings    5. Garden ornaments and furniture    6. Garden structures    7. Gardening    8. Handbooks, manuals, etc    9. Home Improvement / Construction    10. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    11. Building construction & materials    12. Garden design & planning    13. House & Home / Outdoor & Recreational Areas   

Reviews (2)

Simpatico
The projects were on this side of cheesy.I was looking for some that didn't have that 1950's Home Handyman look.But the real disapointment that there was no resource list, particularly a list of suppliers.But I find that is de rigueur with British publications (author's residence on the inside front page is England and I've noted that English books are notorious for not providing good resource lists that we Americans demand).

The perfect startup book to unleash your creativity
Within a two weeks of reading this book, I had created my first table top water fountain and am busy snooping around thrift stores (and the attic) for 'scrap' material that can be used to create awesome table top water fountains.Read more

Subjects:  1. Garden Furnishings    2. Gardening    3. Gardening / Horticulture    4. Gardening/Plants    5. General    6. Tabletop fountains    7. Techniques   

Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Antiques / Collectibles    3. Garden Furnishings    4. Gardening    5. Gardening/Plants    6. Landscape    7. Landscape Architecture And Design    8. Pottery & Ceramics    9. Reference - Price Guides    10. Antiques & Collectables    11. Antiques & Collectibles / General    12. BG-JUVENILE PROP - BG-JUVY PRESCHOOL    13. Garden design & planning    14. Landscape art & architecture   

Editorial Review

Sophisticated, artfully rustic, sometimes practical but more often purely fun, the sculptural garden adornments presented here are leagues beyond the cutesiness of many garden crafts. There are no flowery painted birdhouses or little welcome signs; instead we find abstract wire spider webs, weathered wooden benches, elaborate willow trellises, glistening stone mosaics, and shimmering structures of glass. The bulk of the book concentrates on the history of artistic garden adornment and showcases stunning examples, both historic and contemporary. How-to hints are included for a dozen projects, most of which require fairly advanced crafting skills, including a wildwood bench, whimsical mosaic people, and a massive slate urn built with the techniques of dry-stone walling. For the adventurous, this volume offers lots of unique ideas. Read more

Reviews (1)

garden crafts by geraldine rudge
The photographs alone lead one down a yellow brick road withcreative garden keepers who like to combine handwork with the naturalart of plant. The projects include step by step instructions by the craftsman as well as practical information about where to place your project and how it will hold by to wind and rain. These are not " a trip to the crafts store and one hour of time " projects. They will require you to work with supplies such as glass or wire but the result will be something that personalizes your garden space in a substancial manner. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Design and construction    3. Garden Furnishings    4. Garden ornaments and furniture    5. Garden structures    6. Gardening    7. Gardening / Horticulture    8. Gardening/Plants    9. Gardening / Techniques   

Editorial Review

Gardens are wonderful retreats, made even more wonderful when interesting seating beckons the visitor to stop and enjoy. With enticing photographs and extensive directions, this wide-ranging collection of garden seating projects offers very handsome designs for the experienced wood- or metal-worker, as well as less challenging ideas involving painting or sewing to dress up existing pieces, and even an outdoor "sofa" made of straw bales and throw pillows. If you don't have the know-how to construct the more advanced pieces, browse the volume for inspiration and find someone to build the piece for you--you and your garden will both be the better for it. Read more

Subjects:  1. Design and construction    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Furniture    4. Garden Furnishings    5. Garden ornaments and furniture    6. Gardening / Horticulture    7. House & Home    8. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    9. Woodwork - Furniture/Cabinetry    10. BG-HUMOR/GAMES - BG-HUMOR    11. DIY    12. Gardening    13. House & Home / Outdoor & Recreational Areas   

Editorial Review

Fences, hedges, walls, trellises, and screens form the structure around which any garden is framed. Using these elements effectively permits the savvy gardener to "divide and conquer" and creatively highlight certain garden features while masking others, providing shade, privacy, striking visual effects and defining distinct areas of the garden for aesthetic or practical reasons. Richard Bird gives the reader many ideas for projects, including a fruit wall, formal and informal hedges, a picket fence, a rustic trellis, a rose arch, and more than 20 projects that the enthusiastic gardener can duplicate or customize from this elaborately illustrated, lovely handbook of ideas. Read more

Reviews (1)

TRULY, THE BEST BOOK IN MY GARDEN LIBRARY!
For one of the least expensive gardening books I have ever purchased, this one is exremely helpful and even inspirational!Four of the 20 garden projects included in this workbook were on my list of things I had alwayswanted to do, but could never find the specific 'how to' information.So,in addition to looking at beautiful pictures of the Beech hedge I alwayswanted to plant or the Madame Alfred Carriere rose fanned out against ahouse wall, I now have a complete list of the exact materials and equipmentneeded as well thoroughly written steps and stages.After reading it frombeginning to end, I find at least four more garden projects to add to the'must do' list! Thank you!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fences    2. Garden Design    3. Garden Furnishings    4. Gardening    5. Gardening / Horticulture    6. Gardening/Plants    7. Hedges    8. Landscape    9. Screens (Plants)    10. Walls   

Reviews (3)

Garish Gardens are gorgeous!
Pink flamingos, elves & gnomes, ceramic geese & plastic ducks, oh my!Americans, from coast to coast, have a penchant for decorating their yards with gizmos & gadgets that please & tease. Modra & Roberts started across the nation & recorded many of Amwerica's moreeccentric gardens. This is a charming little book, impish, ironic &crass. What kind of people place metal cut-out characters at various pointson their lawns so they appear to be having a conversation?Who lives in ahouse by a lake where the front & back yards are carpeted with animalstatues, old mailboxes & year-round Christmas decorations?Who is thePink Flamingo King? END

Kind of fun, but ultimately disappointing
I expected a lot more from this book than I got.I myself have seen much weirder lawns than are included in this book. It sometimes appears to be more of a comment on class-driven levels of taste than on personalweirdness and eccentricity, and I didn't like that.Interesting to browse,but not worth the price, in my opinion. For this type of book, "WeirdRooms" is much better.

WILDLY HUMOROUS, AN UNEXPECTED TREASURE BOOK
I EXPECTED IT TO BE FUNNY BUT THE STORIES WERE AREAL SUPRISE. THE TEXAS TORNADO, THE MAN WITH THE BEDS WERE MY FAVORITE. THIS BOOK WOULD BE A GREAT PRESENT FOR ANYONE STARTING THEIR OWN GARDEN. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles / Americana    2. Garden ornaments and furniture    3. Gardening    4. Gardening / Garden Furnishings    5. Gardening / Horticulture    6. Gardening / Lawns    7. Gardening/Plants    8. Landscape    9. Landscape Horticulture    10. United States    11. Americana    12. Garden Furnishings    13. Photography    14. Pictorial works   

Reviews (3)

From "Firescaping " to "Parterre" Gardens, Becke Davis Shows You How to Enjoy Living at Home in the Garden
This book is a bargain, especially if you pick up a used copy. At first glance, I thought the book was too full of gorgeous green ferns, hostas, and other plants that don't thrive in our dry climate. However, the firescaping section helped us choose Lily of the Nile to plant around our home. The knot gardens inspired our garden layout.
Uninspiring Garden Design Book
I was quite uninspired by this book.I found the title to be quite misleading, as the gardens depicted in the book were mostly close ups of plants, or vignettes, and very few garden "rooms."There are no design layouts illlustrated, nor photos of a garden as a whole to give you an idea of how it was divided into outdoor rooms.The book is primarily text, with one or two large photos per chapter - - not enough to illustrate the concept being discussed. I am a visual person and look at garden books for inspiration. I needed more photographs, less information on how to decorate my dining room table or how to do bonsai. It wasn't what I expected or hoped for in a book about creating stylish outdoor rooms.

Utterly wonderful and great usable ideas
Bought the book for a variety of reasons.We have this awesome cottage with three areas that we wanted to develop into what we call outside rooms.And in reading this book the author provides ideas that are actually working, not to mention the book is simply a joy to read while laying in the hammock or having tea and scones on the morning deck that overlooks the stream behind the cottage.She also provides cottage garden look we wanted.Read more

Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself    2. Garden Design    3. Garden Furnishings    4. Garden ornaments and furniture    5. Garden rooms    6. Gardening / Horticulture    7. House & Home    8. Landscape    9. Landscape gardening    10. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    11. GARDENING - OUTDOOR GARDENING    12. House & Home / General   

Editorial Review

This coffee-table book focuses on those inanimate objects placed in the garden to surround and accent its animate life. Divided into four clear sections, "Garden Antiques and Collectibles," "Hanging Baskets and Planters," "Garden Gates and Arches," and "Fountains and Cascades,"

Subjects:  1. Garden Design    2. Garden Furnishings    3. Gardening    4. Gardening / Horticulture    5. Gardening/Plants    6. Sale Books   

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Garden Design    4. Garden Furnishings    5. Gardening    6. Gardening/Plants    7. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    8. BG-COOKBKS - BG - COOKBOOKS    9. Crafts & Hobbies / General    10. Garden design & planning    11. Handicrafts   

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Garden Furnishings    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Mailboxes    7. Models    8. Patterns    9. Woodwork    10. Handicrafts    11. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes    12. Woodworking