Item Detail

Outdoor Spaces covers detailed planning of one's outdoors, practical data for creating a handsome outdoor space, and concise directions for executing one's plans. The well-written, straightforward text is accompanied by many full-color illustrations showing an extensive variety of designs for outdoor living. Specific design functionse.g., recreation, entertaining, and space for childrenare presented amply. The author presents the basic functions of space along with the needs of working with professional landscape people. A good source list gives names and addresses for the materials, equipment, and furniture. Highly recommended for public librariesvery readable and useful with easy-to-follow directions.Daniel S. Kalk, Enfield Central Lib., Ct. Copyright 1987 Cahners Business Information.

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Generously illustrated with color photos, this guide to developing outdoor property is a sourcebook of general ideas rather than an in-depth manual. The first section stresses the importance of preliminary planning and includes a range of suggestions for dealing with professionals, from landscape architects to gardeners. The central portion covers four areas of outdoor design: entertaining (furniture, cooking facilities); children's space (play equipment, tree houses); recreation (swimming pools, tennis courts); and gardens (flower, vegetable and herb, rock, cottage, Oriental, wild and ornamental water gardens, and greenhouses). A final section briefly outlines project scheduling. The book is a mixed bag: neither so lavishly beautiful that it is a pleasure to gaze at nor truly practical because it deals with few specifics, and freelance writer Maguire provides misinformation regarding tax deductions for solar equipment, a credit no longer available from the federal government. Literary Guild alternate. (April 20) Copyright 1987 Cahners Business Information.