"Many people are confident in their abilities to build things, grow plants, or care for a finished landscape, but intimidated by the idea of designing a landscape. This is partly because professional designers, like academics . . . speak a language of their own. Most 'design talk' strikes me as vague, abstract, and lofty, so I avoid it. Good design is the basis for successful landscaping and this book is all about design, but I've deliberately chosen to write in plain English and use down-to-earth examples. . . You make design decisions every time you get dressed. Does this shirt go with these pants? Is it so cold I need a coat? Home landscape decisions involve similar questions. Does this gate go with our fence? Would mountain laurel grow well next to the house? . . . Designing a landscape is like filling your closet with a collection of flattering, comfortable clothes that go together, meet your needs, and suit your style and situation." -- from the introduction Excerpted from Taylor's Master Guide to Landscaping: Everything a Homeowner Needs to Know about Designing, Maintaining, and Renovating a Home Landscape by Rita Buchanan All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
