News Blog @ Wellington City Libraries

Just imagine what some creative pruning or perhaps a green roof could do for your garden….  Or if you would like some up to date tips on vegetable gardening or organic gardening we have some new books that could appeal….

The art of creative pruning : inventive ideas for training and shaping trees and shrubs / Jake Hobson.   “Nothing brings a touch of artistry to the garden like ornamental pruning, and a series of deliberate cuts can create landscapes and evoke faraway places. All that’s needed to recreate the effect in the garden are a sharp pair of pruners, some imagination, and the instruction found in The Art of Creative Pruning.  Picture boxwoods trimmed into whimsical Russian nesting dolls, hedges inscribed with words, and a tree snipped to resemble the toppling tiers of a wedding cake. These are just a few of the unusual ideas featured in the beautifully photographed pages. All the practical considerations are here as well, including pruning to improve a view, remedial pruning to fix problems, and pruning fruit trees to increase yield.” (amazon.com) 

Small green roofs : low-tech options for greener living / Nigel Dunnett … [et al.].
“This colorful guide to building small scale living roofs provides practical instruction for creating ecologically friendly coverings for sheds, garages and accessory buildings with grasses, moss, lichens and other growing plants. Sections cover the structural requirements for building green roofs and retrofitting existing structures, types of plants and planting strategies and encouraging biodiversity. The bulk of the volume showcases finished small scale green roof projects form the UK and the United States in numerous color photographs. (booknews.com)” (Syndetics summary)

Green roofs : a guide to their design and installation / Angela Youngman.   “Environmentally friendly buildings are a must for the future, and among the many new ideas for buildings are green roofs—but what exactly is a green roof, and how do they work? Why are individuals and businesses installing them, and how difficult is it to install and maintain a green roof? This guide introduces the range of green roofs available, from the small garden shed to towering skyscrapers. ” (amazon.com)

The Timber Press guide to succulent plants of the world : a comprehensive reference to more than 2000 species / Fred Dortort.   “A great companion book for beginners as well as avid collectors of these fabulous plants.”–Nancy Szerlag (Detroit News) (Fishpond)

The New Zealand vegetable book / [written by Glenda Gourley ; gardening tips by Dennis Greville].   “Everything you need to know about the wide variety of vegetables available in New Zealand, including: * What to look for in selecting the best quality vegetables * How to prepare * How to keep * Ways to eat * Tips on growing * Nutritional value * Selection of delicious recipes From Artichokes to Watercress – a huge variety of veges, and even herbs and garnishes are covered.” (fishpond.co.nz)

The complete countryman : a user’s guide to traditional skills and lost crafts / Alan Titchmarsh ; special photography by Jonathan Buckley.  ” In a comprehensive and practical guide to the countryside, passionate and hugely knowledgeable countryman Alan Titchmarsh explores the heritage of rural Britain, its landscapes and wildlife, and its traditions, customs, and crafts.  He identifies the best breeds of cattle for meat and milk, explains how best to look after a pig, and shares the secrets of a successful small holding. From keeping chickens to dressing a stick, from dry-stone walling to creating a wildflower meadow, the essence of country life and the best places to encounter it are identified in this celebration of the British countryside and its delights, skills, and treasures. Lavishly illustrated, beautifully produced, and information-packed, this is an inspirational showcase for all that is best about rural Britain and a primer on how to reconnect with its wonderful wise ways.” (amazon.com)

Organic gardening for dummies / by Ann Whitman and the editors of the National Gardening Association.  “For many gardeners, the term “organic” has become synonymous with “safe, ” which makes sense, since avoiding harmful pesticides and chemical fertilizers is a big part of organic gardening. But going organic also involves selecting the right plants and garden locations. This guide offers: Ways to develop soil naturally, use safe fertilizers, manage pests, and battle plant disease without harmful chemicalsSteps to grow an organic lawn, plus hands-on advice for cultivating vegetables, herbs, fruit and nut trees, and flower gardensResources for organic supplies and information Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.” (Syndetics summary) 

The new organic gardener / Tim Marshall.  “Organic gardening is much more than simply throwing a bit of mulch onto your garden beds.. Tim Marshall’s passion and love of gardening is present on every page of this book. He not only guides you through the principles of organic gardening, he explains the reasons behind these principles and why they work. Successful organic gardening, Tim fervently argues, is not just a matter of blindly following a set of rules, it is about experimenting, being creative and making discoveries about how plants best thrive and flourish in your unique garden.The New Organic Gardener shows you how to grow a large range of not just vegetables and herbs but also flowers, trees, including fruit trees, shrubs and even a traditional lawn.” (fishpond.co.nz)

We’ve been combing through the new books on gardening, gardens and enjoying them – here are our picks! Come in and check them out, or reserve them online in time for the Christmas break. Discover projects for your backyard, beautiful gardens, and tips for recycling and reusing materials creatively. Have a browse!

The Kiwi backyard handbook / Justin Newcombe.
“More than any other people in the world, Kiwis live their lives in the backyard. Whether it’s a quarter acre or a tiny patch of lawn, or if you aspire to a burgeoning veggie garden and a few chooks or to relaxing by a palm-edged pool, a good spot for your barbecue is always a must. The Kiwi Backyard Handbook is an essential if you’re planning a garden makeover. It contains 25 easy but impressive projects with step-by-step photographs to stir up your creativity, along with a wealth of good advice to get you started.  Justin Newcombe is a professional landscape gardener and a DIY guru, and will show you how to turn your backyard into your dream oasis.” (fishpond.co.nz)

Gertrude Jekyll and the country house garden / Judith B. Tankard.
“This is a grand project, mining the archives of Country Life to select a 150 images that exemplify the work of England’s extraordinarily gifted and influential designer, Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1942). Tankard is a seasoned landscape historian who taught at Harvard for 20 years and has written extensively in her field. The text thoroughly supports the visual presentation, offering readers in-depth understanding of Jekyll’s projects, innovations, and approach.”Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)”

The Little Veggie Patch Co. : how to grow food in small spaces / Fabian Capomolla and Mat Pember.
“Lots of Fun packed full of all the information you’ll need (plus some hilarious tips and stories from the little Veggie Patch boys own experience along the way), this colourful guide is for anyone interested in growing their own food.” (Syndetics summary)

Home ground : sanctuary in the city / Dan Pearson ; photography by Howard Sooley.
“Dan Pearson is one of our most accomplished and innovative of our garden designers today. We’re treated to a year in the life of Pearson’s garden. If you’re expecting a designery kind of tome, you’ll be disappointed. This is more about one man’s approach to his garden, getting the feel of the soil and how and why certain decisions were made. This is a man who thinks deeply about his garden and takes his time. It’s a heartfelt and personal volume and is much richer as a result.” (Amazon.com)

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Summer’s just around the corner, and there’s nothing better then a glass of cool homemade lemon cordial on a hot day.  Lucky for me, a friend of mine recently moved into a house with a magnificant lemon tree in the garden.

I took my recipe from Robyn Paterson’s book Tips from your Grandad: you can do it.  Don’t be fooled into thinking this book is just about car maintenance and shining your shoes – it has got heaps of great tips and recipes (we’ve also enjoyed making the sherbert on numerous occasions).

The recipe is called old fashioned citrus cordial and  couldn’t be easier.  I’ve previously made it with a mix of citrus as suggested, but prefer to  use just lemons. I made a batch to give to friends for Christmas and thought I’d make the bottles just that bit fancy by making my own labels.

Print workshop: hand-printing techniques + truly original projects by Christine Schmidt has very do-able printing processes for the  home crafter.  I tried the water-slide decal jar labels for my cordial bottles. The process reminded me of how we soaked the  paper off the back of stamps as kids.  With a little bit of practice and reference to the troubleshooting tips, I managed to produce very cool, rustic labels.  I’d like my labels to be a  bit darker, like the ones in the book, and I think that will come with a little more practice.  I didn’t need any of the optional material suggested for printing, and the labels stuck to the bottle without the use of sealent.  As the  labels are clear, they are best suited to bottles or jars were the contents is a light colour.

Now all I need is a hot day and some sunshine…

Other printing and handy tip books

Tips from your nana: waste not, want not! by Robyn Paterson; photography by Tammy Williams

Mum knows best: exceedingly helpful household hints by M & J Hanks

Queen of crafts: the  modern girls’ guide to knitting, sewing, quilting, baking, preserving and kitchen gardening by Jazz Domino Holly

Lotta prints: how to print with anything from potatoes to linoleum by Lotta Jansdotter photographs by Jenny Hallengren

Here are some recent addtions to our collection on the subject of gardening. It’s all about the inspiration to learn this month – everything from low-anxiety gardening, permaculture, plants in pots, propagation, how to attract bees and even aquaponic gardening for the adventurous!

Slow gardening : a no-stress philosophy for all senses and seasons / Felder Rushing ; foreword by Roger B. Swain.
Though the title suggests that this will be a guide to low-maintenance, low-anxiety gardening, garden lecturer and author Rushing (Passalong Plants) invites gardeners to make enjoyment and creative expression central to the gardening experience. Whether one loves strict formality or careless chaos, Rushing delightfully urges gardeners to follow their own bliss in the garden. Beginning gardeners will benefit from his hard-won tricks of the trade, proven plant combinations, and easy maintenance plans. The more experienced will appreciate his tips on making compost, propagating plants, and engaging all the senses in the garden.  126 color photos. (July) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved (Publisher Weekly)
Organic gardening for dummies
Reduce a garden′s impact on both the environment and the wallet – Organic Gardening For Dummies shows readers the way to ensure a healthy harvest from an environmentally friendly garden. It covers information on the newest and safest natural fertilizers and pest control methods, composting, cultivation without chemicals, and how to battle plant diseases. It also has information on updated equipment and resources. It helps the reader to plant organically year–round, using herbs, fruits, vegetables, lawn care, trees and shrubs, and flowers.Protect wildlife and help pollinators in a garden. Grow a range of organic vegetables, fruits and flowers and  manage pests in an eco–friendly way. (Amazon.co.uk)
Visual encyclopedia of garden techniques: all the essential gardening tasks are shown step by step, with over 950 clear colour photographs and illustrations This comprehensive practical book begins with simple design ideas and advice about planning your garden and information on using a huge variety of plants, as well as guidance on planting and pruning. This book then builds on this basic knowledge to suggest more spectacular ideas for gardens from wildlife ponds and water features to rock gardens. There is advice on growing fruits and vegetables and making the most from your greenhouse. The final section covers the skills you need to keep your garden in tip-top shape, from weeding, feeding and pest control to propagation, and includes a year-round checklist of essential tasks. (Amazon.co.uk)
Sepp Holzer’s permaculture : a practical guide to small-scale, integrative farming and gardening ; [translated from the German by Anna Sapsford-Francis]. Sepp Holzer farms steep mountainsides in Austria 1,500 metres above sea level. His farm is an intricate network of terraces, raised beds, ponds, waterways and tracks, well covered with productive fruit trees and other vegetation, with the farmhouse neatly nestling amongst them. This is in dramatic contrast to his neighbours’ spruce monocultures. In this book, Sepp shares the skill and knowledge acquired over his lifetime. He covers every aspect of his farming methods, not just how to create a holistic system on the farm itself, but how to make a living from it. He writes about everything from the overall concepts, down to the practical details. He reveals the thinking processes based on principles found in nature that create his productive systems. These that can be applied anywhere. (Amazon.co.uk)
Aquaponic gardening: a step-by-step guide to raising vegetables & fish together A  combination of the best of aquaculture and hydroponics, aquaponic gardening is an amazingly productive way to grow organic vegetables, greens, herbs and fruits, while providing the added benefits of fresh fish as a safe, healthy source of protein. This is the definitive do-it-yourself home manual, starting with an overview of the theory, benefits and potential of aquaponics, this book goes on to explain: system location considerations and hardware components; the living elements – fish, plants, bacteria, and worms; and, putting it all together – starting and maintaining a healthy system.  Anyone interested in taking the next step towards self-sufficiency will be fascinated by this practical, accessible and well-illustrated guide. (Amazon.co.uk)
How to grow plants in pots / Martyn Cox.
The essential guide to growing plants in small spaces, indoors and out. Dress up your patio with flowers, create your own vegetable patch on a balcony or bring impact and style to your conservatory with RHS How to Grow Plants in Pots.  Troubleshoot any problems that you may encounter using the handy help section and find solutions for common plant diseases and pests to keep your pots looking perfect. No matter how large or small your space, RHS How to Grow Plants in Pots will give you all the information you need to create your own Garden of Eden. (Amazon.co.uk)
The gardener’s guide to propagation : step-by-step instructions for creating plants for free, from propagating seeds and cuttings to dividing, layering and grafting / Richard Rosenfeld ; photography by Peter Anderson.“A complete practical guide to propagating your own flowers, trees, shrubs, climbers, wet-loving, bog and water plants, and vegetables and herbs” (Syndetics summary)

The bee garden : how to create or adapt a garden to attract and nurture bees / Maureen Little.Bees play a vital and irreplaceable role in pollinating our flowers, fruits and vegetables. The more bees in your garden the healthier, more productive and more pleasant a place it will be. (Syndetics summary)

We have a great list of new books, our Gardening and DIY Recent Picks, for you to peruse in August 2011. Books dealing with gardening as well as decorating your house. Have a look below:

Barry Dixon inspirations / Brian D. Coleman ; photographs by Erik Kvalsvik.
“Barry Dixon Inspirations takes the reader through eight homes transformed by renowned designer Barry Dixon. From a cottage and a chic chateau to a grand estate home, with a high-rise apartment and a row house in between, we see the broad range of Dixon’s decorating style and learn what inspired his colors and materials for each location.” (Syndetics summary)

The cook’s salad garden revisited : a New Zealand guide to growing & preparing salads / Mary Browne, Helen Leach, Nancy Tichborne.
“Salads, once served as an occasional side dish, are now a daily item on the menu of many households and are frequently complex and substantial enough to constitute a main meal. To provide fresh and varied salad ingredients, as well as to save money, many cooks are turning to their own back yards and creating a special salad garden. THE COOK’S SALAD GARDEN REVISITED shows how to achieve a delicious and varied, year-round supply of salad vegetables.” (Syndetics summary)

Spanish interior design / Michelle Galindo.
“Spain is a land of contrasts and emotions; its varied architectural styles are a result of many influences through the centuries, from Gothic, Islamic to Moorish interiors, and silverwork and ornate interiors. The Spanish spirit and provocative ideas are reflected beyond the architectural styles, through the emotional character and intimate human comfort in the bold and experimental interiors. This title aims to create a global vision of interior design in Spain today. The selection features 50 of the best cutting-edge designs from a wide range of categories.” (Syndetics summary)

Terry John Woods’ summer house / written with Dale West ; photographs by Kindra Clineff.
“”Terry John Woods’ Summer House” captures the feeling that summer evokes with memories that last beyond the seasons. This gorgeous volume explores the freedom of creating meaningful and cozy spaces meant solely for relaxing and entertaining. Unencumbered with the necessities of year-round living, a summer home can accommodate beautiful and thoughtful family treasures. Accompanied by luscious photographs of summer house interiors and gardens, this book is sure to delight and inspire. As Woods says: “Summer homes lend themselves to the creation of quiet, comfortable spaces where time stands still.”" (Syndetics summary)

The colour design file / Leslie Geddes-Brown.
“Whether you want to redecorate an entire house or simply jazz up a dull room, colour can give your home a whole new look. “The Colour Design File” is your key to exploring this powerful decorative element. Every aspect of colour is expertly covered: using colour discusses the properties and qualities of the different colours, how colours work together and how colour is affected by light, texture and scale, and neutrals and naturals showcases a decorative palette from white to black, encompassing cream to chocolate brown and every shade of grey.” (Syndetics summary)

Small green roofs : low-tech options for greener living / Nigel Dunnett … [et al.].
“Whether in the urban jungle or a pastoral countryside, a hard rooftop presents an opportunity to improve drainage, increase biodiversity, and create microhabitats. With 40 small-scale examples of green roofs, from sheds to houses, this informative manual will inspire and inform. The authors, hailing from the U.S. and U.K., bring together a wealth of professional, academic, and personal experience in living roofs. (May) Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.” (Publisher Weekly)

The back to basics handbook : a guide to buying and working land, raising livestock, enjoying your harvest, household skills and crafts, and more / Abigail R. Gehring.
“Rediscover the pleasures and challenges of a healthier, greener, and more self-sufficient lifestyle.” (Syndetics summary)

Coast : lifestyle architecture / text and photography by Janelle McCulloch.
“Seaside architecture is often stunning in its simplicity and grace, its integration of form and function. COAST: LIFESTYLE ARCHITECTURE offers the reader a rare insight into a selection of extraordinary seaside homes. Ranging from sea captains’ mansions to smaller-scale architectural treasures, COAST: LIFESTYLE ARCHITECTURE presents a collection of beach houses built by renowned designers. All the homes presented in this beautiful book are distinctive and individual, but all share an intimate relationship with their setting – coastal homes, perhaps more than any other, embrace their natural environment, with inside flowing effortlessly into outside.” (Syndetics summary)

Wood flooring : a complete guide to layout, installation & finishing / Charles Peterson with Andy Engel.
“Mention hardwood floors and watch a homebuyer’s eyes light up. What makes wood floors so desirable? Hardwood floors are unmatched for their beauty, durability, and ease of maintenance, so it’s no surprise that the demand for hardwood has always been strong. In recent years that demand has been fueled by the availability of more types of wood, including exotic species such as Brazilian cherry, as well as engineered woods.” (Syndetics summary)

We have a great list of new books, our Gardening and DIY Recent Picks, for you to peruse in July 2011. Books dealing with gardening as well as decorating your house. Have a look below:

Alan Titchmarsh how to garden : small gardens / Alan Titchmarsh.
“Covering everything from window boxes and balconies and small gardens up to the size of a tennis court, this definitive guide covers design, planting, landscaping, and plant growingSuccessful gardens can be created in the smallest spaces, and this essential guide, shows how to achieve the right garden in the space available…” (Syndetics summary)

Woodburning : the greener way to fuel your home / by John Butterworth.
“Offering a far more realistic and practical solution than any other renewable option currently on the market, the woodburner is both greener and cheaper than fossil fuels and has been the heater of choice for many already living off the grid . It is now also becoming a popular option for many looking to take advantage of a new generation of stoves that are designed to burn more efficiently and economically.” (Summary from amazon.co.uk)

Terrarium craft : create 50 magical, miniature worlds / by Amy Bryant Aiello & Kate Bryant ; photography by Kate Baldwin.
“Few terrarium books have been published in recent years, but many glass gardening enthusiasts persisted past the 1970s, and they will enjoy the 50 projects in this book-updated terrariums evocative of forests, beaches, deserts, and fantasies…-Bonnie Poquette, Milwaukee (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.” (Library Journal)

Bathrooms : the smart approach to design / [senior editor: Kathie Robitz].
“Learn to think like a design pro to get the bathroom you’ve always wanted without making the types of mistakes that cost money or leave you less than thrilled with the result. Bathrooms: The Smart Approach to Design explains everything you need to know to take the process from the earliest planning stages through understanding how to select and arrange a floor plan, how to shop for cabinets, vanities, tubs, sinks, showerheads; choose tile, flooring, and finishing materials and pull together a one-of-a-kind look. More than an idea book, this is a step-by-step approach to the process of design.” (Syndetics summary)

Tomorrow’s garden : design and inspiration for a new age of sustainable gardening / text and photographs by Stephen Orr.
” Orr traveled from coast to coast to find gardens both large and small that show how responsible gardeners are reimaging the definition of a modern garden and addressing design, plant choice, water usage, materials, and more, in exciting, innovative, and often surprising ways.” (Summary from Syndetics)

100 + bedrooms
“100+ tips – ideas, is a series of small format books with lots of illustrations offering innovative, clever and creative solutions for transforming indoor and outdoor areas, making them more luminous, appealing and comfortable than you could ever imagine.” (Syndetics summary)

Gertrude Jekyll and the country house garden / Judith B. Tankard.
“Gertrude Jekyll (1843–1932) laid the basis for modern garden design and is credited with popularizing an informal, naturalistic look in counterpoint to the rigid, formal landscapes of the Victorian era. Her collaboration with Edwin Lutyens produced seminal garden masterpieces of the Arts & Crafts movement, including Hestercombe and Folly Farm. Also known as a prolific and influential writer, Jekyll contributed more than a hundred articles to Country Life and designed three gardens for the publication’s founder, Edward Hudson. As a result, the Country Life archive has an unrivaled record of her work. This book includes a combination of both archival black-and-white and contemporary color photographs highlighting a selection of the more than 350 gardens Jekyll created.” (Summary from amazon.co.uk)

We have a great list of new books, our Gardening and DIY Recent Picks, for you to peruse in June 2011. Books dealing with gardening as well as decorating your house. Have a look below:

Homegrown herbs : a complete guide to growing, using and enjoying more than 100 herbs / Tammi Hartung ; photography by Saxon Holt.
“A thorough resource explains how to plant, grow and harvest more than 100 herbs and details their many uses in cooking, home beauty and home healing.” (Description from Syndetics)

The edible balcony : growing fresh produce in the heart of the city / Alex Mitchell ; photography by Sarah Cuttle.“Just because you don’t have any soil doesn’t mean you can’t eat delicious fruit and vegetables every day of the year. From an easy edible balcony that can be set up over a weekend, to using recycled and salvage materials, growing exotic fruit and creating a futuristic salad and herb wall, ‘The Edible Balcony’ mixes inspirational ideas with practical advice on how to achieve beautiful, flourishing outdoor areas however many floors up you maybe and however small your space. ” (Description from amazon.co.uk)

Starting out with palms : including palms suitable for gardens and containers / David L. Jones.
” A great introduction to palms and their cultivation, especially palms suitable for home gardens and containers”.(Description from Syndetics)

You can do it : the complete B&Q step-by-step book of home improvement.“This is a new edition of Britains bestselling DIY manual, now revised and brought right up to date. Packed with easy-to-follow advice and invaluable tricks of the trade from more than seventy experts, this new edition carries a new section focusing on ecologically friendly houses The One Planet Home as well as about 325 brand new photographs and updated information on new legislation.’ (Description from amazon.co.uk)

The Royal Horticultural Society encyclopedia of perennials / Graham Rice, editor-in-chief.
” The definitive practical guide to choosing, planting and combining herbaceous perennials an essential tool for gardeners of all levels, from the experts at the RHS. From Acaena to Zizia, an A-Z guide to over 5,000 perennials Includes the vast numbers of new perennials made available in the last 10 years.” (Description from amazon.co.uk)

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We have a great list of new books, our Gardening and DIY Recent Picks, for you to peruse in May 2011. Books dealing with gardening as well as decorating your house. Have a look below:

Continuous container gardens : swap in the plants of the season to create fresh designs year-round / Sara Begg Townsend & Roanne Robbins ; photography by John Gruen.
“Highlighting 12 containers that illustrate a favorite theme such as foliage, structure, color, or movement, the authors deconstruct each vessel’s composition and subsequent adaptations and include such vital information as off-season care and proper container selection. With a bright, breezy, conversational style, the authors’ infectious enthusiasm and extensive experience will empower gardeners to think outside their usual container comfort zones.–Haggas, Carol Copyright 2010 Booklist From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.” (Booklist)

Decorative fusion knots : a step-by-step illustrated guide to new and unusual ornamental knots / written and photographed by JD of Tying it all togehter.“Alongside fusion knots, this book presents logical and comprehensive instructions for a plethora of historical knots, including Celtic knots, Chinese decorative knots, maritime knots, and popular paracord ties. Each historical knot instruction is presented in step-by-step fashion. Each of the 600 step-by-step color photographs is accompanied with clear, concise instructional captions. Whether you’re a sailor, teacher, jewelry maker, survivalist, general knot enthusiast, or just looking for bush crafts, paracord ties, a curriculum for students, or a fun way to pass the time, Decorative Fusion Knots is the book for you.” (summary form amazon.com)

Framing a house / Roe Osborn.
“This illustrated guide provides step-by-step instructions for framing a simple house. [...] The work proceeds systematically through a ground up description of the building process starting at the first floor deck and describing the erection of the exterior walls, the second floor, stairs, gable walls and the roof and finally interior walls, and finishing touches such as exterior trim and a porch…. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)” (Syndetics summary)

Alexa Hampton : the language of interior design / Alexa Hampton with Jill Kirchner Simpson ; photographs by Scott Frances.
“From the daughter of celebrated White House decorator Mark Hampton and one of America’s most influential interior designers working today comes a beautiful full-color portfolio of 18 homes representing a variety of styles from traditional to modern.” (Syndetics summary)

Creative walls : how to display and enjoy your treasured collections / Geraldine James.
“In this inspirational guide, Geraldine James, veteran collector of all things beautiful, shows ways to organize and display your valuables to celebrate their uniqueness and your creativity. A collection of fans, teapots or clocks will illuminate a little corner, whereas a teenager’s bedroom will transform instantly when hoarded football memorabilia makes the leap from the floor to the wall in a bold, clever arrangement….–publisher’s website.” (provided by Syndetics)

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We have a great list of new books, our Gardening and DIY Recent Picks, for you to peruse in April 2011. Books dealing with gardening as well as decorating your house. Have a look below:

Superfoods from the garden: grow it, cook it, and achieve the best health ever.“Superfoods from the Garden is the latest—and most important—book by Michael van Straten, the bestselling author and one of the most respected names in the world of complementary medicine and natural health care. A lifelong believer that good health comes first and foremost from the food you eat, in this book Michael brings together his three passions—spreading the word on good health the natural way, organic gardening, and producing fantastic meals from freshly harvested food” (description from amazon.com).

Undecorate : the no-rules approach to interior design / Christiane Lemieux with Rumaan Alam ; photographs by Melanie Acevedo.“Undecorate profiles twenty homes from all over the country, revealing their owners’ love of imperfection and penchant for surprise and unusual juxtapositions while inspiring readers to follow their own whimsy and practicalities in their personal spaces. An anglophile creates an English manor in Hollywood, mixing British flea-market finds with midcentury furniture” (description from amazon.com).

Kitchen gardens of Australia : eighteen productive gardens for inspiration and practical advice / Kate Herd ; photography by Simon Griffiths.
” Whether you want to reduce your carbon footprint, save money, become more self-sufficient or just enjoy the unique taste of fresh produce, there has never been a better time to create a kitchen garden” (summary from Syndetics).

No place like home : tips & techniques for real family-friendly home design / Stephen Saint-Onge.
“Stylish and practical designs for real families From the many room makeovers he has done for magazines, newspapers, and television shows, designer Stephen Saint-Onge has a very real sense of what everyday families want and need from their homes. Unlike other decorating books on the market, his features products and projects that are accessible for everyday homeowners who are looking for stylish and practical designs — Provided by publisher” (summary from Syndetics).

The artful garden : creative inspiration for landscape design / James van Sweden and Tom Christopher.
“A revolutionary pioneer of the naturalistic New American Garden style, van Sweden (Architecture in the Garden) explains how gardeners can glean inspiration and borrow effective techniques from the arts. Whether the muse is painting or jazz, mystery novels or modern dance, van Sweden offers practical advice on how thoughtful examination can help the amateur gardener understand and control color, line, volume, light, and movement in the garden. (Feb.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved” (Publisher Weekly)” (summary from Syndetics)

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We have a great list of new books, our Home & Garden Recent Picks, for you to peruse in March 2011. Books dealing with gardening as well as decorating your house. Have a look below:

Organic gardener’s handbook of natural pest and disease control: a complete guide to maintaining a healthy garden and yard the Earth-friendly way
“One of the rewards of organic gardening is developing a balanced ecosystem, in which plants naturally defend themselves against pests and disease and where you’ll seldom have to intervene. But if trouble does make its way into your garden, this comprehensive handbook will help you stop insect pests in their tracks and curb plant diseases at the first sign of an outbreak. Book jacket.” (Syndetics summary)

Build your kids a treehouse : the complete guide / Philip Schmidt.
“In years to come, your kids’ fondest memories might be of the treetop retreat you created for them when they were young. This book is your complete guide to designing, planning and building a sturdy, safe treehouse that will be the background for the best of their childhood memories. Not only will you learn the basics of creating elevated platforms, adding walls and roofs and accessories; but you’ll also find detailed plans for six different treehouse designs, each of them easy to build with ordinary tools and amateur carpentry skills. Book jacket.” (Syndetics summary)

The NZ kids’ garden : a kids’ guide to growing fruit and vegetables in New Zealand / Diana Noonan and Keith Olsen.
Provides advice on starting a garden and on plants suitable for young readers to cultivate. Includes sections on designing a garden, what tools are needed, how to protect plants from pests and diseases, as well as planting schedules and a calendar. Includes recipes, crafts, trivia and key tips. Suggested level: primary, intermediate, junior secondary.” (Syndetics summary)

Affordable architecture : great houses on a budget / Stephen Crafti.
“Showcases architecture that’s driven by a budget” (Syndetics summary)

A farmer’s life for me : how to live sustainably, Jimmy’s way / Jimmy Doherty.“Jimmy covers everything from the skills to equipment to environmentalism to marketing and even shows that you don’t necessarily need any land to live the self-sufficient lifestyle. Practical, realistic but full of good advice and encouragement, and case studies and essays to inspire you, A Farmer’s Life for Me is the ultimate guide to the business of self-sufficiency.” (Amazon.co.uk summary)

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