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Garden
Projects in a Weekend
Book Review
Richard Wright
27 May 2002
 What
a tempting title – Garden Projects in a
Weekend – along with a suggestion that
they can all be completed in a maximum of three
weekends. This re-awakened thoughts of those
old maths tests, along the lines of if it one
expert a weekend to do this, how long will it
take a DIY idiotÂ… On a more serious note,
on offer are 24 original projects to bring an
extra dimension to a garden. All can be completed
in a single weekend or spread over two or three
weekends, to make a big difference in a short
time. There are step by step instructions for
each project, and they are well illustrated.
Good
preparation is the secret of success, starting
out with a simple plan to see how a feature
will sit with the rest of the garden. There
is advice on a range of practical points, from
choosing plants to working with concrete and
other hard landscape materials. The author,
former catwalk model Ali Ward, considers the
most important thing to do is add height, particularly
in a new plot that can look flat and uninteresting
if there are no mature trees or shrubs. Various
ways to do so are suggested, using features
such as obelisks, pergolas or even a childrenÂ’s
wigwam shaped out of willow.
Paths
are seen as features in their own right, not
just for access but to draw attention to certain
parts of the garden. Seating can take the form
of a simple oak bench or a living seat of camomile.
Summer houses or gazebos provide shelter and
are pleasing to the eye, and Ali Ward even suggests
a simple sun canopy made from bamboo and canvas.
Water features add interest to any garden, and
instructions are given for a small pond or a
pebble stream
Whether
you decide to take a weekend to plant a wild
flower border, a couple of weekends to create
a turf sculpture in the lawn area, or three
weekends to produce an ornamental kitchen garden,
there is a project in this book to appeal to
every gardener.
Book
Garden Projects in a Weekend
Author Ali Ward
Publisher Hamlyn
Price £15.99
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