Field Guide to Outside Style: Design and Plant Your Perfect Outdoor Space

I got this book because I have absolutely no idea how to design a garden or what to plant in a garden. My backyard is a typical suburban home lot with absolutely no appeal at the moment. This lovely book with its beautiful photos is chocked full of practical advice for a novice or even an experienced gardener. I loved that the author warns against trying to do too much too soon and emphasized the work that has to go into planting and maintaining a garden. He also gives suggestions on what plants or shrubs are suited for the area that I live in. I had no idea, except for the wildflowers that grow in my area. This book has helped me to set small goals and build on them in time. I will be using this book for information and inspiration for a long time!

I really enjoyed reading through this book. It is big and hefty and well-produced and would look wonderful on a coffee table. But beyond that, I enjoyed most of the articles and pictures within the book. Most are legitimately useful and would be great for anyone who wanted to design a much better outdoor space (though it appears to be geared mainly towards backyards).

This book isn’t a plant encyclopedia, there are too many of those on the market already.This is a guide book that meets you where you are and questions you on where want to take your outdoor space (in my case my backyard). It then gives guidance on how to move forward in the process. The book is built on the author's foundation of growing up in the nursery business (5th generation), and is beautifully presented. It incorporates his love of landscape (style, color, texture, etc.) and spaces. It’s infectious.I’m an engineer, and my husband says’ “hard to please”. We lost our backyard (0.5 acre) in a fire in 2003. It’s been 19 years and nothing has changed (current photo of yard attached). Have we hired landscape architect firms to design us plans? Yes, two. The plans fell short and included things (like a pool and a no-mow grass meadow fire hazard) that we were not interested in. After reading this book (yes, I read it all) I realize now our approach was all wrong. We were looking big picture, very broad. No one asked us what did we really want? What did we really need? What did we like? What was our style? Should we phase it? How will we water it? The questions asked in this guide book. We needed to know some of those answers first before we start with the design.The book assumes, like me, that the reader has no real training or background in the plant world. The author suggests steps in the design process with fun “date” homework assignments. You might not know what you “want”, but you can determine what you “like”. Is it a “want” or “need”? Size, spacing, hardscaping, and color combinations? What are you willing to do and what needs to be contracted out?The book helps you develop an outdoor space concept which will be an extension of your home, and for us, in phases. What is my soil type (unfortunately clay). What is my style (Martha)? Is there texture? What color flowers do I prefer based on my style (blue & green)? In my case this will be an ongoing process, starting with a framework and adding & editing over time. a lot to digest, but I can read it again.I look forward to the next book…maybe a field guide to hillsides/slopes?

As a person who lives in a condo, "Field Guide to Outside Style: Design and Plant Your Perfect Outdoor Space" by Ryan McEnaney is really not meant for me. It is meant more for a single-family homeowner. That said, it was an enjoyable read with lots of useful information and beautiful photography. As noted in the subtitle, it is to help the reader 'design and plant an outdoor space.' By 'outdoor space', it is focused mostly on backyards. For the reader who has a backyard (and the funds), this could be a book that can be put to use. For the rest of us, it is an interesting and aspirational read.

This is a beautiful, inspiring book. The stories are inspiring and the pictures are stunning. It would make a perfect coffee table book or gift!I got this book to help inspire me with my own outdoor living space. I’ve already read through it a couple of times.One of my favorite sections is towards the back of the book. There’s a section for each garden style. It highlights certain plants, the best climate to grow them and the characteristics of each.Overall, this is a beautiful, well written book. It would make a great gift for yourself or someone looking for inspiration for their outside space. My only complaint, is I would’ve liked to have seen the city/state included with the pictures.Hope you found my comments and photos helpful.

Perfect book for musing during the winter months , and plenty of ideas for planting and designing a garden space. I recommend.

Outlines the way to make a more naturalized garden that works better with spaces and nature.I love the more natural look.Includes easy-to-care-for garden or no-care garden.Great photo representations.

I purchased this book because I have no idea what to plant or how to build a garden. Currently, my backyard is a plain suburban home lot with no charm. This charming book with its stunning photographs is packed with helpful tips for a beginner or even an expert gardener. I appreciated the author's caution against attempting to do too much too fast and emphasis on the effort required to develop and manage a garden. Additionally, he makes recommendations for plants and shrubs that might grow well in my neighborhood. Except for the wildflowers that bloom nearby, I had no idea. I've learned through reading this book how to start small and progress over time. This book will serve as a constant source of knowledge and inspiration for me.

I really liked this book. I live in Zone 3a Northern Alberta. I brought 3 acres of farm land. Put on some buildings, utilities and then started with the bones of trees. I did exactly what I shouldn't. I planted the trees like soldiers. Mostly as a wind block. Going to move them in the Spring. Great book for Alberta Prairies. Very useful information. I have at least 50 books on Gardening and designing. This is one of my best.