The Landscape of Man: Shaping the...
Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe, Susan Jellicoe
Synopsis
This volume looks at the landscape of 28 cultures, ranging from ancient Mesopotamia to the present day, and shows how the environment is conditioned by the philosophy and religion of each civilization. A selection from Geoffrey Jellicoe's "The Atlanta Historical Garden" is included.
Rating - Must have 5*

Designing with Plants
Piet Oudolf, Noel Kingsbury
Synopsis
This is a study of Piet Oudolf's "New Wave" planting theory and practice. Inspired by nature, his schemes demonstrate how form, texture, light and movement are as important as colour. The manual shows the essential building blocks of this style in special planting palettes, then explains how to combine them in schemes that will bring vibrancy to the garden throughout the year.
Rating - 4*

Garden Colour Palette
Paul Williams
Synopsis
This work provides information on how to achieve successful colour mixes in the garden. The split page format enables you to mix and match plants to create colour combinations, while notes provide planning information, including the growing requirements and characteristics of each plant.
Rating - 3*

Photographing Plants and Gardens
Clive Nichols (Photographer)
Synopsis
Aimed at all photographers with an interest in gardens, from amateurs who need to learn techniques to professionals wanting to hone their skills, this book is illustrated with the author's own work. He leads the reader through the variety of approaches to garden photography, analyzing vistas, close-ups and abstracts, and offering advice on coping with light and weather to produce the best results, whatever the conditions. There are also insights into the practicalities of making a living from photography. Clive Nichols's photographs of English gardens have appeared in leading magazines, and in 1992 exhibitions of his work were held in at the Ilford Gallery in London, and at the Chelsea Flower Show.
Rating - 3*

Landscape Construction: Earth and Water...
Derek Lovejoy (Foreword), C.A. Fortlage, E.T. Phillips
Synopsis
This third volume of "Landscape Construction" covers the design and construction of simple earth and water retaining structures as far as the normal scope of landscape work is concerned. Major civil engineering work such as highway embankments and reservoirs are excluded. Chapters one to four cover the simpler forms of earth retention likely to be part of a landscape contract, divided into: methods of construction that rely on the soil as part of the structure; various types of gravity retaining walls; and those which are constructed independently of the soil. Chapters five to nine deal with all types of water retaining construction, from "natural" lakes to small ornamental pools, and the construction of natural and ornamental watercourses are also covered.
Rating - 4*

Landscape Construction: Roads, Pavings...
C.A. Fortlage, E.T. Phillips
Synopsis
Covering the principles of construction of macadam and concrete roadways, this volume examines techniques with and use of all types of small paving units and granular materials, and the drainage of paved areas. Current British Standard references are included throughout.
Rating - 4*