Garden Graphics

Book by Nesbitt, Gemma

This book aims "to introduce a new and easy method of garden mapping" by presenting a dictionary of 950 graphic symbols to represent common garden plants. The symbols are supposed to represent the plant's shape and give a better idea of the form and texture of the finished planting; the idea is to use them when drawing up a garden plan. Unfortunately, the symbols are not individual enough to allow readers to tell whether the circle with the scalloped outline is a peony, a poppy, or a shamrock pea. In addition, the author's decision to space the plants on the plan as they would appear when first planted gives a very spotty effect. It was very hard for this reviewer to relate the mixture of blobs, whorls, and spikes appearing in the 28 plans to the somewhat blurry photographs that accompany them. Amateurs will use this too seldom to justify the expense, and professionals will need a more handsome finished product than this method will provide. Not recommended.
- Molly Newling, Piscataway P. L. , N.J.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.