Customer Reviews

Natural by Design: Beauty and Balance in Southwest Gardens

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Of the many books I've read on southwest gardening, this was the most rewarding. I learned so much about native and adaptive plants that are suited to our climate and growing conditions here in the southwest. Also about the different "microclimates" that determine proper location of particular plants in the garden so they will thrive. After applying the valuable information from this book to my own gardening efforts I see miraculous results! This book is a MUST for New Mexico gardeners interested in beautiful, water conservative plants.

I was very happy to see the subject matter covered. In the world of gardening, too few books are dedicated to the southwest garden - especially along the foot of the rocky mountains. And this author includes information for a world awake and ready to greener techniques.

This is a comprehensive book filled with lots of technical information. But unfortunately, the pictures are small and mostly placed in the edges of the pages. Much to my surprise, more than a few pictures are blurred; Who's the publisher? Well that's the consolation. I am hoping the appendix on plantings is worth the price. Would have loved pictures of those. I'll have to trust google for that. The book is not for the weekend landscaper looking for quick shortcuts.

Albeit I could not address the design ideas from this book into my own landscape conversion because of the archictectual design of my home. I have a number of "natural" gardeners that have embraced this book and the ideas it offers. This book will help fill in the need for beauty and plant ideas in the coming drought years. This is a sister book to
"Plants for Natural Gardens: Southwestern Native & Adaptive Trees, Shrubs, Wildflowers & Grasses".

This is truly a remarkable book. The wide scope and depth of thought of Judith Phillips' writing are amazing. It is by far the best gardening book ever. Reading it will open your mind and your heart to the beauty of the natural world of gardening. Thank you for this book.