Customer Reviews

The Wild Lawn Handbook: Alternatives to the Traditional Front Lawn

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

 

 

There are quite a few books out now about why we shouldn't stick with the traditional grass lawn, but this is the best one I've seen to explain the practical alternatives, with inspiring photos and helpful appendices. Ms. Daniels is really concerned with the aesthetics as well as the politics of environmentally friendly yards. I recommend it to all my friends who are thinking about getting rid of some or all of the grass. A "9" just because I wish it had more pictures

This is a great book that has great pictures and wonderful information on how to choose and start an alternative lawn. I give it 5 stars because it truly provides what it touts, perhaps with a little extra unnecessary information.
However, EASY LAWNS by Brooklyn Botanic Gardens gives all you need to know at half the price. It, too, has nice pictures. It is smaller and a paperback where WILD LAWN HANDBOOK is a hardcover.

Terrific book for someone in the early stages of considering replacing some or all of their lawn with alternatives. I'm using it for information for my neighbors & other guests who are puzzled by all the "weeds" I have instead of the sterile, manicured lawn.

For the homeowner who is looking for alternatives to lawn grass, this is a wonderful book. Wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, trees, vines, perennials, annuals...they are all here. Native plants are encouraged though you are not limited to this theme. Do you live in Florida, California or Wisconsin? It doesn't matter, again there is something for everyone.

There are sources for seeds, plant and equipment; there are no websites but there are addresses and phone numbers. You can find a much larger list of current companies on the internet but this will give you a start. Because there is so much that needs to be covered you can use this book as a reference and check for more information on the web. I am in agreement with the other reviewer that I wish there were more color photos. I was amazed after finding this book that there is a limited amount of ideas on grass alternatives on the internet. Like anything, use this book as a starting point and then check on what you want to plant using some other good source such as gardenweb or dave's garden for the pros and cons of your greenery.

"Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God." ~~ Leo Buscaglia