Beautiful Easy Flower Gardens: Step-By-Step and Seasonal Plans for a Colorful, Exciting Landscape

The title is not misleading. A radio host and garden designer in the Northeast, Sombke writes in engagingly conversational style and offers practical design suggestions that should prompt even the most garden-wary to try their hands at growing flowers. After a discussion of site planning and such basics as tools and composting (Sombke is a committed organic gardener; ""Don't Treat Your Soil Like Dirt"" is one chapter heading), the remaining two thirds of the abundantly illustrated book are devoted to a broad selection of garden designs with such tempting names as Peek-Through Picket Fence Flowers, Shady Woodland Wildflower Garden and An El Diablo Drought-Tolerant Garden. The designs contain complete information about what aspiring gardeners can expect from each of the plants and a four-season ""chore"" list outlining what is involved in caring for the new garden. Although there are certainly ideas here for the experienced gardener, the book is an excellent choice for the beginner. (Nov.)