Yard Full of Sun: The Story of a Gardener's Obsession That Got a Little Out of Hand

I have lived in Phoenix for 25 years. I have a large lot and little success in landscaping. If it looked good it took too much time to maintain and my water bills were sky high. What to do? After 6 weeks in a wheelchair and an irrigation failure I happened on Scott Calhoun's book. He has so many new and practical ideas that will produce a good looking landscape and not be a slave to it. Living in Tucson, he is very savvy about conserving water more than we are in Phoenix. He talks about harvesting water and grading a property to better direct rainfall to planting beds. New ideas for me. I am really quite excited about the opportunities that I recognize now from reading this book.Oh and if that isn't enough, the book is quite beautiful. Lots of color photography. Many plant varieties are pictured. The writer generously shares his experience of learning about building a "green" home and surrounding it with a true Sonoran desert landscape.I have lots of books on desert gardening and they all have merit.This is the first one that has given me a new insight into where I live and my responsibility to the ecology of my spot in the desert.A true inspiration to me.

Excellent gardening advice and suggestions

I didn't think I would enjoy a "story" of a gardener in the Southwest but the author is so entertaining in his writing. I could relate to so many aspects of working in my yard in the hot Arizona desert. His ideas are creative and refreshing and just a joy to read through. Lots of very useful information also and I am hooked on this author. Thanks for writing this "feel good, factual book".

Great read. I'm a newcomer to Arizona (from Philadelphia) and knew nothing at all at southwest gardening. The narrative moved smartly along, but I learned a lot about the most common species to use in my garden. Especially have come to appreciate the sulptural beauty of Agaves.

This book makes you happy. People dedicated to and living with the environement. They are studying what is around them and bring it into their home. Nothing like green lawns and roses. Easy living in style. I live in the South of Tenerife, Spain and I am trying to do the same, much to the surprise of my local neighbours :-)

I discovered Scott Calhoun online when I began designing my own southwest landscape. To read his book is to gain insight into his design process. He addresses the challenges and joys of gardening in a hot, arid climate with candor, humor and helpful information.

There is some overlap with his subsequently published "The Hot Garden" this is a personal story. It feels like you are javing a conversatnio with a friend who happens to be very good at garden design and is sharing his knowledge with you. Especially good discussion of outdoor living spaces.

This ardent, dedicated Tucson gardener gives insight into how he established a garden in a demanding area. He chronicles successes and failures, and has amusing stories about adapting to native wildlife. Great read for any gardener, especially those in desert climates.