The essentials of garden design

Garden design author Brookes (Garden Masterclass) explains the steps in the design process in this practical and straightforward workbook geared primarily to prospective and novice professionals. Following an introductory chapter that discusses how we see gardens and what the role of the garden designer is, Brookes explains what to look for when visiting the site of a project, what questions to ask the client, and the importance of listening to the owner's wants and needs. Next he covers measuring and surveying the site as well as observing the natural environment and plants of an area. He illustrates how to use the tools of his trade such as photography, line drawings, drafting, and the computer software CAD to execute the design. He covers various types of garden styles and illustrates many gardens that he has designed in England and the United States. Specifics such as water features, garden restoration, and gardening on grand scales are also addressed. His chapter of frequently asked questions answers queries that Brookes gets from his own students. The book, well illustrated and including color photographs, should appeal to anyone who is considering garden design as a career as well as those who want to design or redesign their own gardens. Recommended for public libraries.-Phillip Oliver, Univ. of North Alabama, Florence (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.