Books: Plant Combinations for Every Garden

Plant combinations are fine, but this book is about so much more as well. Authors David Squire, Alan and Gill Bridgewater have put together a comprehensive guide to creating gardens that will fit with almost any lifestyle. 

Plant Combinations for an Abundant Garden: Design and Grow a Fabulous Flower and Vegetable Garden (Creative Homeowner) Practical Advice, Step-by-Step Instructions, and a Comprehensive Plant Directory (Fox Chapel Publishing, 2019).  The book takes you through the initial design process, provides brief descriptions on garden construction -- from fences and patios to walls, decks, pergolas, and much more -- and then describes an array of garden styles, from formal and informal to English, Japanese, and Mediterranean gardens to water gardens, city gardens, and wild gardens, just to mention a few.

And finally, the authors tell you how to select and buy plants, and provide descriptions and photos of some of their favorites.  There's also a large section on growing fruits and vegetables.

The book is filled with photos, sketches, and "plans" for various types of gardens.  If you want an easy, all-around guide to get started on your garden (or renovating what you have), this book is a great place to start.  And if you want to hire professional help, this book will help you decide what you want -- and ease along conversations with the designer you select.