The Essential Garden Design Workbook by Rosemary Alexander and Rachel Myers

The Essential Garden Design Workbook by Rosemary Alexander and Rachel Myers

This book came out in 2017, and the subtitle is Completely Revised and Expanded.

Imagine a secret garden, a haven of tranquility amidst the chaos of everyday life. A place where vibrant blooms beckon, fragrant herbs tempt the senses, and the gentle rustle of leaves whispers secrets of nature. With The Essential Garden Design Workbook, you hold the key to creating your very own Eden.

Rosemary Alexander and Rachel Myers, two luminaries of the horticultural world, have crafted a masterpiece that is both practical and inspiring. This revised and expanded edition is a must-have for any gardener, young or old, who dreams of transforming their outdoor space into a personal paradise.

From the moment you open the cover, you are transported to a world of lush landscapes and elegant designs. The authors guide you through the entire process of garden creation, from the initial planning stages to the final touches. With their expert advice and clear instructions, even the most novice gardener will feel confident in their ability to bring their vision to life.

Well, the original version of this book was a best-selling classic. This is the upgraded book that came out five years ago.

In this book, the eminent designer and educator Rosemary Alexander teamed up with rising design star Rachel Myers.

And what these two women did is they shared new garden plans, a ton of new photos and diagrams, and updated profiles of their 50 top plants that they think are timeless and that should be used by today's designers. So this book has all kinds of fantastic, modern tips and advice.

This is also an excellent book for designers and gardeners interested in incorporating sustainability or plant diversity into their plans. Rosemary and Rachel show how to integrate computer-aided design into the garden design process.  And this book is perfect for folks wanting to start a garden design business.

Now, of course, nowadays, you don't have to be an artist to be a landscape designer or to convey what you want to do with a particular garden or a job site.

But you do need to know how to do the basics. You have to be able to survey a site and draw a plan to scale or use the right software to do that. Then if you're making a more significant presentation, maybe to a company or to an Arboretum, you'll need to include specific details, visuals, and even a mood board. And of course, costing if you want to land their proposal. And so this book gives you everything from soup to nuts on garden design.

As Rosemary says, she believes that garden design is one of the most satisfying and rewarding professions - and I have many friends who would agree with her.

Now when Gardens Illustrated reviewed this book, they said,

The attention to detail at every stage is fantastic.

Even if you don't want to be a designer, this book is worth having.

One of the highlights of this book is the updated plant profiles. Discover the latest and greatest varieties, from classic favorites to cutting-edge introductions. Learn about their unique characteristics, cultivation requirements, and potential uses in your garden. Whether you're a fan of vibrant annuals or prefer the timeless beauty of perennials, there's something for everyone.

Sustainability and diversity are also key themes in this edition. The authors emphasize the importance of creating gardens that are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. Learn how to attract pollinators, conserve water, and minimize the use of pesticides. By following their guidelines, you can create a garden that is both a sanctuary for wildlife and a source of inspiration for yourself.

So, whether you're a seasoned gardener looking to refresh your outdoor space or a beginner eager to embark on a new adventure, The Essential Garden Design Workbook is the perfect companion. With its wealth of knowledge, practical advice, and stunning visuals, this book will empower you to create a garden that is truly your own.

This book is a big one. It's 392 pages of garden design - for students, professionals, and anyone looking to create a well-designed outdoor space. You can truly learn from the experts, and they will share it in detail in this book.

You can get a copy of The Essential Garden Design Workbook by Rosemary Alexander and Rachel Myers and support the show using the Amazon link in today's show notes for around $16.