Chicago Botanic Garden

Education — Lenhardt Library

Current Books & Book Reviews

PHOTO: bookcover

Alan and Gill Bridgewater.
Stonework: Building Rock Gardens, Walks, Walls, and Ornaments.
Stillwater, Minn.: Voyageur Press, 2002.
paper, 95 p., ISBN 0–896–58041–5, $14.95.

An interesting book, Stonework: Building Rock Gardens, Walks, Walls, and Ornaments includes fifteen do-it-yourself projects explained in lovely detail. One might find an idea or two! The projects range from a walkway to a Roman arch shrine. Some of the projects seem a bit overdone, designed to evoke a “my that’s interesting” comment. Perhaps in areas where stone is abundant these projects might serve a purpose. However, in many parts of the Midwest stone has to be trucked in, at considerable cost. This book nevertheless is worth thumbing through, and it may inspire readers to consider adding a plinth and slab table to their gardens.

— Eilenn Klehr, volunteer and master gardener, Chicago Botanic Garden.