Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #856768 in Books
• Published on: 2003-03-01
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 3.60 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 256 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Combining comprehensive text and superb photographs, Swindells's (Natural Water Gardens) newest offers a host of ideas for creating and maintaining many types of water gardens, from small containers with fountains to re-creations of natural landscape settings. The most ambitious projects will be beyond the amateur gardener, but the design ideas and the photographs of actual gardens that illustrate these ideas are so enticing that even novices may be tempted to try. The simpler projects-pools with miniature plants in pots, fountains in large ornamental jars, troughs with pygmy water lilies and dwarf rushes-are well within the reach of beginners. More ambitious gardeners may be inspired to create ponds, waterfalls, wildlife pools, water meadows, bogs, brooks, streams, even lakes. Instructions for making each type of garden are given through a combination of text and photographs that clearly illustrate each step in the process, from choosing and marking out the site to finishing the project with suitable aquatic plants. Accompanying each design idea are lists of water-loving plants suitable for that type of garden-including water lilies, reeds and rushes, bog plants, and floating and submerged aquatics-and there are chapters on how to buy, plant, fertilize, divide, propagate and care for these plants. This beautifully illustrated volume may feel more like a coffee-table book than an encyclopedia, but it covers its subject in depth.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Swindells has long been engaged in the many facets of water gardening and aquatic plants, and imparts his considerable expertise in a comprehensive and alluring manual containing plenty of practical information to meet the needs of individuals with a do-it-yourself attitude. The broad range of large-scale water features shown in lavish, colorful photographs might also spur on those who can see their way to hiring a designer or landscape contractor to assist with more ambitious projects. Illustrations provide basic, step-by-step approaches to creating ponds and fountains, a host of container possibilities for decks and patios, and far grander waterfalls and reflecting pools appropriate for expansive yards or country properties. Swindells' source book is highly instructive, with how-to advice aimed at clarifying the important aspects to be considered when designing and constructing a remarkable array of water elements for gardens. Planting suggestions round out the material. Alice Joyce
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
This handsome volume may well inspire you... Absolutely everything you need to know is here, in print and picture. (California Garden 200401)

The water features are some of the loveliest I've seen. (Sherry A. Firing Globe and Mail 20030426)

It is the staggering array of photographs of water-filled spaces that will capture imaginations. (Diane Calabrese American Reference Books Annual, Volume 35 2004)

This is the most comprehensive book on water gardening available at this time. (National Garden Club -- gardenclub.org/book_review 20030524)

Its aquatic plant section is unique and thorough... a great mix of information for water gardeners at every level. (Alison Dingle Garden Center Merchandising and Management 200308)

Noteworthy... worthwhile reading for anyone planning to construct water features. (Landscape Architecture 200312)

A wealth of inspiration for inventive designs and more than 40 step-by-step projects. (Linda Stilkowski Winnipeg Free Press 20030520)

Goes far beyond eye-candy, with step-by-step instructions for installing and maintaining pools, ponds and accessories. (HortIdeas 200305)

Going to do more to promote water gardening than anything we have seen yet. (Steve Whysall Vancouver Sun 20030411)

How to make 40 water features, ranging from low-maintenance containers to very ambitious moving water projects ... a keeper. (Mary Cameron Frey Chicago Sun-Times 20030418)

Highly instructive, with how-to advice aimed at clarifying the important aspects to be considered when designing and constructing. (Alice Joyce Booklist 20030401)

You can create a water garden yourself, thanks to this informative book. (Adventures -- Home and Gardens 200306)

Beautifully illustrated volume may feel more like a coffee-table book than an encyclopedia, but it covers its subject in depth. (Publishers Weekly 20030203)

Comprehensive and easy to understand ... includes design ideas and step-by-step illustrations. (LogHome Design Ideas 200307)

A good book ... Swindells makes it clear what will be needed and how to avoid problems. (Stuart Robertson Montreal Gazette 20030605)

This is it: the all-you-need-to-know-about-water-gardens book. (Jo Calvert Canadian Living 200308)

Well organized and very readable... wonderful color photographs, planting suggestions, and step-by-step instructions, which include text and photographs. (Sarah Williams E-Streams 20030829)

[Swindells] also shows do-it-yourselfers how to wire pumps and lighting, build bridges and put in stepping stones. (Susan Mulvihill Spokane Spokesman-Review 20030927)

Starts from absolute basics and goes through each step... you'll find this book tells you everything you need to know. (Linda Turk Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal 20031115)

Comprehensive and easy-to-understand. (Florida Gardening 20040214)

Scads of wonderful new ideas with great photographs and instructions, including pages and pages of inventive container water gardens. (Shirley Remes Kane County Chronicle )

Easy-to-understand project guide that clearly explains every aspect... superbly illustrated section on the use and propagation of water plants. (Canadian Gardening )