Customer Reviews

The New American Backyard : Easy, Organic Techniques and Solutions for a Landscape You'll Love

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I picked up a copy of this book from Kris Medic back in October, when she was a guest speaker at our garden-club meeting. I purchased it before her presentation, and by the time her talk was over, I was already thinking I had made a good decision. Having lived in Columbus IN for 17 years, I recognized her name and knew of her devotion to organic techniques for designing and maintaining landscapes. I had no intention of picking up the book and reading it cover-to-cover, that is not how I would usually approach a book like this. However, that is exactly what happened. I took it along to one of my son's ortho. appt's. In for a bit of a wait, I started reading. I became completely engrossed and was very surprised when my son came out and an hour had passed! I had read nearly one-third of the book. It is rare for me to pick up a 'how to' gardening book and read it in this fashion. This book is a real gem for anyone, especially those who garden (or wish to) organically. Kris touches on everything you can think of to do with landscaping or gardening, including many charts and lists to help guide you in the pursuit of a great yard. I especially like her use of these flowcharts and lists to halp you reach your desired goals. Many of us don't put enough thought into our landscapes, until we've made many mistakes. This book could hlp new or aspiring gardeners to prevent those early mistakes, and help those of us who have already made them, redeem ourelves. Kris includes all aspects of landscaping, including her top ten choices of favorite trees, shrubs, vines, groundcovers, perennials, and annuals. These choices are pictured and include all the information you need and why she considers it a top-pick. You will also find chapters on hardscaping, reducing water use, organic methods for preventing pests and diseases and a very informative section on the correct way to prune. This is a book I do not plan to loan out--get your own copy! I imagine I will refer to it often. Many of the methods and ideas included will mean less time for work and maintenance, and more time for me to enjoy the landscape. This spring, I plan to stop mowing a good portion of our yard. It's simply not necessary, and may have a detrimental effect, keeping beneficial insects and animals from our property. Instead, with Kris' permission, I'll have more time to sit on the garden bench and watch the butterflies.

I picked up a copy of this book from Kris Medic back in October, when she wa a guest speaker at our meeting. I purchased it before her presentation, and by the time her talk was over, I was already thinking I had made a good decision. Having lived in Columbus for 17 years, I recognized her name and knew of her devotion to organic techniques for designing and maintaining landscapes. I had no intention of picking up the book and reading it cover-to-cover, that is not how I would usually approach a book like this. However, that is exactly what happened. I absentmindedly grabbed it and took it along to one of my son's orthodontist appt's. In for a bit of a wait, I started reading. I became completely engrossed and was very surprised when my son came out and an hour had passed! I had read nearly one-third of the book. I continued to read every spare moment, even foregoing the reading of a good novel I'd started. It is rare for me to pick up a 'how to' gardening book and read it in this fashion. This book is a real gem for anyone, especailly those who garden (or wish to) organically. Kris touches on everything you can think of to do with landscaping or gardening, including many charts and lists to help guide you in the pursuit of a great yard. I especially like her use of these flowcharts and lists to help you reach your desired goals. Many of us don't put enough thought into our landscapes, until we've made many mistakes. This book could help new or aspiring gardeners to prevent those early mistakes, and help those of us who have already made them, redeem ourselves. Kris includes all aspects of landscaping, including her top ten choices of favorite trees, shrubs, vines, groundcovers, perennials, and annuals. These choices are pictured and include all the information you need and why she considers it a top-pick. You will also find chapters on hardscaping, reducing water use, organic methods for preventing pests and diseases and a very informative section on the correct way to prune. This is a book I do not plan to loan out--get your own copy! I imagine I will refer to it often. Many of the methods and ideas included will mean less time for work and maintenance, and more time for me to enjoy the landscape. This spring, I plan to stop mowing a good portion of our yard. It's simply not necessary, and may have a detrimental effect, keeping beneficial insects and animals from our property. Instead, with Kris' permission, I'll have more time to sit on the garden bench and watch the butterflies.

Simply said, this is an EXCELLENT landscaping book for beginner to experienced home landscapers. Full of practical information on many topics for the DIY landscaper, including plant selection and tool maintenance. Even if you have more money than time or strength, Medic's advice will help you make informed decisions and get more value for your dollar.

Don't let the word "organic" on the cover scare you; publisher is Rodale. If you match the plant, site, and proper planting techniques, you shouldn't need much in the way of inorganics. My advice to a neighbor upon asking was, "If you can't tolerate rabbits eating your liriope, plant something else there or move downtown."