Chicago Botanic Garden

Education — Lenhardt Library

Current Books & Book Reviews

PHOTO: bookcover

Judith Adam.
Landscape Planning: Practical Techniques for the Home Gardener.
Second edition.
Buffalo, N.Y.: Firefly Books, 2008.
paper, 247 pp., ISBN 978–1–55407–258–3, $29.95.

Landscape designer and horticulturist Judith Adam skillfully leads the reader through the steps in creating and implementing a landscape plan in this revised edition of her popular book. Aimed especially at homeowners, the text begins with appraisal of the property, the owner’s needs, and budget. Adams then launches into a review of the options in hardscaping and plant materials, as well as environmental challenges the designer and gardener may meet. The book certainly lives up to its title: the author gives very wise advice on an impressive variety of garden topics that are rarely considered in such manuals. Handsomely illustrated, it is highly recommended as one of the most comprehensive, up-to-date works on general gardening.

— Marilyn K. Alaimo, garden writer and volunteer, Chicago Botanic Garden.