Understanding Garden Design

August 1, 2010

From planning and creation to implementation, landscape design is a complicated process. With novice gardeners and aspiring designers in mind, garden designer Nagel offers an overview of the whole enterprise, explaining why design is important, factors to consider, and how to get started. Accessing the site, gathering desired components, incorporating basic design principles, and implementing a design are detailed with photos, diagrams, and construction schedules. The construction phase is also considered in a chapter that discusses how to find and select a contractor, how to bid on a project, and the importance of maintaining good communication with the contractor. Final specifics, such as irrigation and garden lighting, are also covered. After the garden is completed, the author offers advice on showing a garden. VERDICT Although not as detailed and technical as Rosemary Alexander's The Essential Garden Design Workbook, this is an excellent guide for beginning home garden designers as well as students in the field.--Phillip Oliver, Univ. of North Alabama Lib., Florence

Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2010
A former interior designer who embarked on a second career in landscape planning, Nagel bemoaned the dearth of resource material necessary for her new endeavor. Knowing that nature abhors just such a vacuum, Nagel fashioned a guide to her own specifications. Starting with the basics, Nagel ventures from concept to completion in a logical sequence, covering topics many other design manuals overlook. Not only does she pay particular attention to the intangible aspects of the design process, such as a gardens effects on physical health and mental attitude, she also delves into the practical side of landscape projects, from spatial allowances for patio furniture to working with contractors. Along with essentials such as traffic flow, focal points, and sun exposure, Nagel also provides thoughtful coverage of secondary, but no less important, topics such as hardscape, furnishings, and ornamentation. Thorough and thoroughly accessible, Nagels reasoned yet personable approach to an often intimidating subject will benefit both homeowners and design professionals.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)