Planting Design for Dry Gardens: Beautiful, Resilient Groundcovers for Terraces, Paved Areas, Gravel and Other Alternatives to the Lawn

Although beautifully put together and impeccably researched, it was at times a bit frustrating, as it seems to be aimed almost entirely at alternatives to lawns in dry/mediterranean climates. It does have really good information about maintenance of the different ground covers, and it deals well with questions of invasive plants in the wider countryside. But while it sometimes does mention how effective the ground cover would be at excluding weeds, it doesn't always. And I would have liked more consistent information about how easy it is to control the spread of the different plants at a more local scale, i.e. into your nearby borders or unimproved, flower-rich pasture. Some spreading plants need only an occasional tug or trim to keep them in place, while others need serious spade work, if not actually excavating, and it can be better to be sure before planting. Still, it is a wonderful book, full of often unfamiliar and exciting plants, and very worthwhile.

Excellent photographs and in depth knowledge about the plants and how to create gardens that use less water. I wish there was one specifically for the UK but a lot of this information is or will be applicable as temperatures rise, particularly in cities and the south of England. The best combination, a beautiful book AND in depth information. I work as a garden designer and landscape architect and found it invaluable.

Very useful book if you are trying to create a garden in the Mediterranean and don't want to worry about watering all the time. It suggests using plants that grow naturally in the area or in a similar climate and makes for a garden that is eco-friendly. Ii particularly focuses on ground cover and alternatives to maintaining a lawn.

Very useful if you have decided to dig up your lawn and put down something less troublesome, such as gravel. Dry gardens can look stunning, and don't need mowing!

One of the best lawn alternative recommendation with a good insight for a sustainable Mediterranean gardening. It provides a comprehensive considerations when selecting different type of lawn alternatives. Particularly happy with the layout of the book, each suggested plant and mixed planting have photos right next to the paragraph.

Nice and informative. There is a lot of text, which I really like.

Once you have read this book you do not need other Mediterranean garden books. Excellent written, good photos and very tutorial. Other books from Oliver Filippi are excellent as well.

This is a really interesting book and offers lots of ideas for creating a dry garden and doing away with grass.