<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: More questions than answers
Review: I was looking for a book to help me plan a very large pond, no fish, with water plants. After thoroughly reading this book, it left me with more questions than answers. For instance, with the type of pond I was considering, what are the criteria I need to keep in mind in determining whether or not I need to use a pump and filtration system? I really did not want to have to install one, but this book did not offer any real advice in helping me decide this very important aspect. If I choose not to install a circulating system, what is the best way to maintain my pond? How will I control algae growth? How do I choose the best plants and their placement? Some of the terms used were not easily identifiable by their context as to the meaning: what exactly is a coping? concrete haunch? The drainage section was vague and very confusing--there was so little information to go with.
Like the editorial review says, it is aimed at amateurs; however, amateurs will find they'll need to reference additional sources for some very basic information before initializing any pond project. "The Complete Pond Builder" was not as COMPLETE as I would have liked.
You will find, though, beautiful, inspiring pictures to help you decide how you would like your pond to look and images of the various stages of construction that may be involved in your project.
Rating:
Summary: Nice book, but it lacks some key subject information
Review: This book explains how to build ponds of different shapes and sizes. It contains some wonderful images of ponds and pools, and it details how to place specific types of plants at different layers of a pond. It includes a section on building bog gardens as well. I think it has slightly better construction detail than Swindells' The Master Book of the Water Garden. For example, in one section, it even explains where to apply different concrete mixes to specific parts of a pond. It also includes more examples of smaller ponds. However, it is not as comprehensive as Swindell's book, and it contains very little information about three additional areas that I think are rather important for pond-building: adding fish, designing for wildlife, and performing seasonal maintenance.
Rating: 
Summary: Great book for ideas on various types of ponds
Review: This is an excellent book for ideas on various types of ponds: preformed; lined; concrete; raised and semi-raised; etc. with pretty good details on constructing most styles.The only reason I didn't give it a better rating, is because in trying to cover so many styles in limited space (144 pages total), it naturally could not offer the level of detail I was looking for when building my lined pond. That said it was an excellent book, with great ideas and I strongly recommend it. BTW, I completed my pond (2,500 gallons!) and it looks great!
<< 1 >>
| 
