Customer Reviews

Small Spaces, Beautiful Gardens

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I found this book to be especially helpful in visualizing small gardens. I wish that he had included some of the plant names used and sample gardening diagrams, but overall it's a great book for ideas.

The ideal book for someone who is facing a vacant lot or garden wasteland and is interested in tapping the talent, inspiration and guidance of a gifted garden designer. Kevin Davitt takes the reader through a great number of his real life garden designs, challenging us to listen to the hidden "genius" in your prospective site. Eloquent and thoughtful, his writing is clear and encouraging, helping us to discover and visualize the sanctuary our garden space can become. Filled with beautiful photographs and drawings and side bars highlighting the key ideas in each project, we are gently introduced to the authors philosophy of space and nature. The author shares his years of experience and design wisdom so you can create a space that enhances your home and recharges and inspires your relationship to mother nature. A joy to read, makes you want to get outside and start building. Focuses on small urban and suburban garden designs, but ideas can apply to all garden design processes.

The simplicity with which Keith Davitt has been able to convey complicated design concepts is extraordinary. He has combined this with exquisite illustrations and "before and after" photography. This book will inspire you with the confidence to transform even the most mundane of spaces into a visual and livable joy. It's also a must on our coffee table!

I have been waiting for this book to be published for over six months. It was worth the wait. The photos alone make the book a must have for anyone looking for ideas for their own small spaces. Add to that the information it contains about the design process and it is a fabulous teaching book. I have at least 20 books on landscaping and garden design. This book is my favorite by far. Keith Davitt, in my opinion, is the best designer I have seen. I hope he will be doing many more books in the future.

One of the best garden design books I've ever read and an absolute must for designers or owners of small spaces. It is simply amazing to see how a small lot or back yard of just about any size can be transformed into a beautiful garden. The text and the before, in-progress and after pictures of these gardens inspire and educate. Hats off to Mr. Davitt!

Small Spaces Beautiful Gardens is a must read for anyone planning an urban garden. Davitt's well illustrated book shows how his creativity can transform non-descript urban backyards into spectacular enjoyable spaces. Using an ample series of photographs and sketches, the author depicts the construction, from design theme through decorative detail and planting materials. Whether your notion calls for pre-dinner cocktails or solitary serenity, you'll find plenty of ideas in this splendid garden guide.

Keith Davitt has a wonderful vision of how dramatic a small space can be. The book is laid out beautifully. I loved the "before" pictures, his design drawings, and the terrific photos of the finished space. He truly knows how to create beautiful, lush, inviting gardens. I found this book to be absolutely delightful and incredibly informative.

Being an avid gardener, I have collected a variety of garden primers over the years. Small Spaces, Beautiful Gardens is a must for beginners or well-seasoned plant lovers. The drawings and sequencing of steps are easy to follow, the photographs compelling and inspiring. Whether you wish to create your own special urban hideaway or a personal meditation spot in the country, these designs are adaptable. The hands-on experience of the author is apparent one every page. I look forward to more books by Keith Davitt.

This is THE book for the seemingly hopeless garden. Davitt repeatedly changes a small space into a grand escape. He also has lovely solutions for the light deprived space. I especially enjoyed the before and after photos.

I've had the pleasure of seeing first-hand some of Mr Davitt's Garden/Landscapes, and they were memorable experiences. I've never seen gardens so beautiful. Unlike stuffy and rigid gardens, which are so common, his actually seem to improve upon nature by expressing the best of natural harmony. So when I saw his book (Small Spaces Beautiful Gardens), without a second thought, I picked up a copy for myself. Wow! His book is so insightful. Simply put, He succeeds in conveying his understanding of technique and vision, honestly and simply.
I wish more Landscape/Garden designers, whether Professional or beginners, would take Mr. Davitt's genius to heart. I think then we would have a quantum-leap in the industry.