Over 160 full-color photographs and 80 schematic diagrams. Nothing so completely transforms a garden as a water feature, whether it is a placid pool or pond, a flowing stream, a burbling fountain, or a cascading waterfall. Water draws the light and provides a baseline to which all neighboring elements relate. Its horizontality makes it an ideal foil to the vertical lines of trees, reeds, and other plantings. Filled with ideas and practical suggestions, this profusely illustrated guide offers all the knowledge needed to incorporate any water feature, large or small, into any garden. This volume demonstrates the many ways in which water can enhance a scene and shows how to exploit its myriad moods in imaginative and practical ways. Finally, it raises the art of garden design with water and the craft of its usage to new levels of excellence.

Whether it is a small container of water on a deck or patio serving as home to a few plants and water creatures or a more elaborate mix of waterfalls, fountains, rockwork, and lighting, the water garden can be a lovely, spirit-soothing addition to one's property—a place to unwind, relax, and escape the cares of the world. But while water has been a prominent feature in garden designs for thousands of years, it is only recently—with the availability of preformed kits at the local home improvement center—that installing a beautiful water garden has become a feasible undertaking for the average homeowner. And now, with the extremely clear and complete instructions in this practical, hands-on guide, a backyard water garden is easier than ever to build and maintain. Water Gardener's Bible by Ben Helm and Kelly Billing is a true bible on the subject—with comprehensive information on everything from choosing the right site and selecting aquatic plants and fish to pond management and problem solving. The pages are crammed with specifics about pond biology and chemistry, beneficial bacteria, fish health, nuisance algae, and electrical and child safety—all that is necessary to duplicate the sights, sounds, and sanctuary of a babbling brook, splashing fountain, or cascading waterfall right in the backyard.

A guide to growing beautiful gardens in drought-prone areas utilizing minimal water for maximum results. With climate change, water rationing, and drought on the rise, water conservation is more important than ever—but that doesn’t mean your gardening options are limited to cacti and rocks. The Water-Saving Garden provides gardeners and homeowners with a diverse array of techniques and plentiful inspiration for creating sustainable gardens that are so beautiful and inviting, it’s hard to believe they are water-thrifty. Including a directory of 100 plants appropriate for a variety of drought-prone regions of the country, this accessible and contemporary xeriscaping guide is full of must-know information on popular gardening topics like native and drought-tolerant plants (including succulents), rainwater harvesting, greywater systems, permeable paving, and more.

Includes "wall fountains, troughs and sinks, free-standing pots, Japanese features, spouts and bubblers, tub and barrel pools."

Mark Nelson, PhD, has worked for several decades in closed ecological systems research. As one of eight brave souls enclosed in the pioneering Biosphere 2 experiment for two years in 1991-1993, Nelson learned fi rst hand how essential the proper use of human waste is to the health of the planet. This realization, combined with his lifelong love aff air with constructed wetlands, led to the development of Wastewater Gardens, an ecological way to treat human waste and preserve water quality.

Everyone loves a garden filled with bright colors, soft textures, and lovely smells. Add a little water to the mix and you have the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the best of nature. Relaxing by your water garden is the end of a long but rewarding process. Follow these step-by-step instructions for finding the best spot in your yard for a healthy water garden, designing and digging it, choosing water flowers, and adding fish. You can even build a toad house to attract wild visitors to your backyard. When all the designing, digging, lining, planting, and stocking is done, you can sit in your own private oasis and enjoy nature’s gorgeous bounty. Color, movement, scent—it all adds up to life!

In this eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, journalist and gardener Nancy Lawson describes why and how to welcome wildlife to our backyards. Through engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the country, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists, Lawson applies the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces. Detailed chapters address planting for wildlife by choosing native species; providing habitats that shelter baby animals, as well as birds, bees, and butterflies; creating safe zones in the garden; cohabiting with creatures often regarded as pests; letting nature be your garden designer; and encouraging natural processes and evolution in the garden. The Humane Gardener fills a unique niche in describing simple principles for both attracting wildlife and peacefully resolving conflicts with all the creatures that share our world.