Deckscaping: Gardening and Landscaping on and Around Your Deck (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Whether you have an existing deck that could use a face-lift or want to add one to your home for the first time, the design..." (more)
Key Phrases: Grower's Choice, Favorite Deckside Plants, The Surrounding Gardens (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The Great American Deck, that no-man's land between house and garden, is often a barren vista or neglected way station on the path to the backyard, but with Ellis' expert guidance, even the most lowly deck can be elevated into a lush garden room worthy of its inside partners. Using basic interior design principles, Ellis embarks on an exterior "deck-oration" process that begins by critically assessing views and recommending ways to adapt interior schemes for exterior enjoyment. Through Ellis' creative pointers, homeowners can easily develop a tempting transition from the backdoor to the backyard that will reflect their lifestyles and personalities. Inspirational color photographs and detailed project checklists help develop design needs; and to further enhance deck landscaping possibilities, Ellis thoughtfully recommends plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies, incorporate fragrance, provide screening, or furnish kitchen herbs. From choosing containers to selecting furniture, every aspect of deck design and usage is thoroughly addressed, making this an excellent resource for new deck construction or old deck revitalization projects. Carol Haggas
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

“If you want how-to planting and design ideas for you deck, patio or even your balcony, this book is a must. And it would make a great gift.” – Washington Post

 

“Handsome photographs and easy-to-understand drawings are a bonus.” – Portland Oregonian

 

" In Deckscaping, Barbara Ellis…goes into great detail, with color photos and drawings, to show how {the deck} can be used and enjoyed year round, even in cold climates. From simple to elaborate, she suggests surfaces, materials, plantings, furniture and gives tips on maintenance as well."- Publishers Weekly

 

"Deckscaping is a thoughtful and well-illustrated guide to making a deck more inviting and comfortable..."―Chicago Tribune

 

"Barbara Ellis shows how even the smallest pressure-treated "plot" can be transformed into an oasis of color and fragrance." ―Country Living Gardener

 

"...with Ellis' expert guidance, even the most lowly deck can be elevated into a lush garden room worthy of its inside partners.  Through Ellis' creative pointers, homeowners can easily develop a tempting transition from the backdoor to the backyard that will reflect their lifestyles and personalities.  ...an excellent resource for new deck construction or old deck revitalization projects." ―Booklist

 

“If you’re willing to be inspired, read on.  Author Ellis…offers suggestions and practical advice for anyone with a deck on the drawing board or underfoot.” —Portland Oregonian

 

“Say bye-bye to that boring deck…Pick up a copy Deckscaping.” —Nashville Tennessean

 

“The decks included in the lavish illustrations are anything but the barren, flat, house extensions we too often see...those in the book are an integral part of the garden and anything but boring." —Asbury Park Press

 

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC; illustrated edition edition (January 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580174086
• ISBN-13: 978-1580174084
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 9.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #678,298 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Works for ALL budgets and here's why, October 25, 2004

By	K. Corn "reviewer" (Indianapolis,, IN United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Deckscaping: Gardening and Landscaping On and Around Your Deck (Hardcover)

I love to garden but I don't have a huge budget so I was delighted to discover this book, which covers topics I hadn't seen in similar books. Among other things, it includes:

Full color photos of all sorts of deck gardens, from evening gardens to container gardens, trellis gardens and more

Detailed tips on how to camouflage ugly (but usually inexpensive) containers, allowing readers to spend more on plants and less on containers. She provides instructions for numerous and easy "cover-ups" for those awful plastic pots. I love this!

Tips on planning deckside flower beds, choosing furniture and buying or making trellises and other supports are invaluable. This author knows her stuff and even includes plans for all sorts of items (I love the very easy copper trellis she includes)

She lists the plants by their common and horticultural names and includes photos of nearly every plant - in color.

Plans for the deck gardens are incorporated into the larger landscape theme (assuming you have one) so that your deck fits into your total garden design scheme, a very nice touch.

If you aren't a natural decorator, her chapter on "Decorating with Style" will save you time and frustration. Her examples are never tacky, always tasteful and accomplished with a minimum of time, effort and fuss. Again, something to love!

Finally, this book allows readers to simplify their deck gardening time, which means there should be more time to savor the results of your efforts. Who wouldn't love that?

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars how to create a welcoming haven!, April 8, 2002

By	Rebecca Brown "rebeccasreads" (Clallam Bay, WA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Gardening and Landscaping On and Around Your Deck. How to surround your deck with spring flowers & fall berries, & fill it with flowers that will attract birds & butterflies, as well as create an edible landscape for yourself.

Time to turn your deck into a place worth living in? Want to add a little Eden into your life?

Barbara Ellis has the book for you!

With gorgeous photographs & elegant drawings; lists of flowers that will attract wildlife; comparisons of different kinds of containers & trellises, & simple instructions on how to do almost anything with plants, DECKSCAPING is a must for anyone wanting to change that drab outdoor area into a welcoming haven for yourself & your wild life!

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THOROUGHLY INTRIGUING, February 27, 2002

By	Sandra D. Peters "Seagull Books" (Prince Edward Island, Canada) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This book thoroughly intriqued me because often when we think of decks, we think of some elaborate, expensive project. In this case building a deck can mean little more than building a simple platform and from there, expanding on your idea to whatever extent one chooses. How far one goes with design will likely depend to a certain degree on space, lifestyle and financial resources. There are some great ideas here for furniture, planters, etc. and the photography is quite appealing. Wondering what to plant around your deck and where? This book offers some really great suggestions. Now, if I could just find my existing deck under all this snow....