Here is a recent thread:

some good books for design ideas...

have fun!
VW

Books on design are one thing, but you should also consider "how to" books for individual projects such as laying stone patios and such.

Also, other than getting a list of books, I think one also needs a way to evaluate books you might come across at a bookstore, as one does sometimes go in to browse without one's list of recommendations in hand. At least, I always seem to find myself in a bookstore without it.

Things I would look for include
- some photos or examples that speak directly to issues that you are facing
- discussion of seasons other than summer
- varying levels of complexity in the options presented.

Others may be able to speak to this better.

KarinL

The Book of Garden Design by John Brookes has a lot of information you won't find in most design books intended for the homeowner. It may be out of print, but you can buy used copies online. Some of the plants he describes are only hardy to zone 7, as he is gardening in the UK, but there are also many that will do well in colder zones. His explanations of using a pattern or grid for layout, mass and scale, layering, and relating a design to the house are very useful. It doesn't tell you how to make compost or build anything, but there are a million books that cover those topics.

There are many others that you can use for inspiration rather than an explanation of how to put a design together.
Buying used books is a good way to put together a library without spending so much that you feel bad about the occasional dud.

With shelf space at a premium, I first check books out of the library then only buy the ones I will want to refer to again.

Here is a good source for used books:
Abe Books - a collection of used booksellers.

Also, there is much good info on the web. I just learned of the Renegade Gardener on this forum (thanks deeje). He has a few articles on design, and his "Don't DO That Archive" is fun reading.

-VW

Anything by Monte Don or John Brookes is definitely worthwhile. IMO A good all around book to look at would be "The English Gardening School," But hands down my favorite book this year for inspiration would be "Timeless Landscape Design" by Mary and Hugh Dargan.

I'll definitely check those out. Thanks so much!