Fall Garden Book Roundup
by Derek Thomas
Handyman on the Hill
We Do It All
F
all in Washington seems to happen quickly and without notice. This fall there are three titles that Washington gardeners must add to their bookshelves. “Garden Stone” Barbara Pleasant, Storey, $19.95 The use of stone in Washington gardens has become very popular in the past few years. Many homes are using stone instead of brick. The departure of formal brick walls and pathways has given way to the versatility of stone. This book, originally published in 2002, and now available in paperback, is one the most comprehensive stone idea books available. Packed with every idea you could have and the instructions to make them happen in your garden. “Garden Stone” is the definitive stone resource. “Absolutely Beautiful Containers: The ABC’s of Creative Container Gardens” Sue Amatangelo, Ball, $24.95 This book is perfect for anyone who has dreamed of having a simply flawless container garden yet has no clue on where to start. It is also a power-packed resource of great plant combinations for the seasoned container gardener. There are instructions on how to create a “Plan-o-gram worksheet,” which is a foolproof outline designed to help you start creating your perfect containers. And if that is not enough, there are 200 container combinations that put the “Plan-o-gram worksheet” to the test. “Great Flowering Landscape Trees” Vincent Simeone, Ball, $24.95 This is the third title Ball publishing has from Vincent Simone. Simone has simply and tastefully compiled some of the most endearing flowering trees that are used in landscaping today. The book is well organized and gives the readers full planting and growing information on deciduous flowering trees. Master Gardener Derek Thomas is principal landscape designer at Thomas Landscapes and Maintenance. He can be reached at www.thomaslandscapes.com or 301-642-5182. ■
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