Front Yard Gardens: Growing More than Grass - Book Review

Science News, June 21, 2003

LIZ PRIMEAU

If you're tired of humdrum grass as a sole ground cover, then take a look at this guide featuring 70 different garden designs suitable for front yards. Although some people shy away from the care they think a yard full of blooms, evergreens, and wild grasses requires, Primeau reports that she and her husband have more leisure time since they turned away from time-consuming mowing, seeding, and fertilizing. According to Primeau, her garden requires some maintenance in spring but just irrigation throughout the summer. Opening chapters cover the history of lawns, then give step-by-step details of how to transform a yard of grass into a blossoming bounty of greenery that's both pretty and friendly to wildlife. Hundreds of color pictures bring these ideas to life. Plant lists and blueprints make replicating the pictures easy. Styles and designs are based on taste, as well as climate conditions. Primeau also provides tips for maintaining these plants and landscapes. Firefly, 2003, 232 p., color photos, paperback, $24.95.