Alan Bridgewater – författare

All about building entrances to the home. Detailed charts for identification or joints and parts, steps for construction and hanging, and dozens of designs.

Ponds and water features have been popular in gardens for thousands of years. This book is aimed at anyone who is thinking of building a pond, anyone who has bought some of the materials but doesn't know how to start or anyone who has a pond and needs to know how to keep it at its best.The book starts with the basics of assessing the garden, checking the site, planning and preparation, tools and materials and electrical wiring and safety. With the basics established the authors introduce the many different types of pond and how they can be created, maintained and enhanced.From split-level ponds to wildlife ponds, plant and fish and adding sculptures, bird houses, stones and bridges, each subject is presented in a clear way with box features, lists and questions and answers. The final chapter looks at water features - a rock pool or stream for a large garden or a small wall mask or trough for a tiny back garden.

Allotment gardening is becoming increasingly popular as people discover that growing their own organic vegetables, fruits and herbs is an attractive and achievable option. Allotment gardening also has additional benefits: it's an excellent way to take exercise and be sociable, and it can be therapeutic. "The Allotment Specialist" is crammed with practical information on every aspect of growing produce on an allotment. Beginning with the basics, it includes tips on choosing a plot, preparing the soil, crop rotation, planting the beds, and weed and pest control. Year-round calendars provide at-a-glance information on key tasks and give pointers on keeping allotments productive all year round. Comprehensive, A-Z directories of vegetables and fruits guide readers through the most popular varieties, their soil and site needs, and the best times and methods for sowing, planting and harvesting. With reliable, practical information and an easy-to-use format, this is the perfect companion for every current or prospective allotment owner.

For those without the time or stamina to spend hours maintaining a garden, well-known experts Alan and Gill Bridgewater offer an easy-care method with minimal digging and weeding. They show how to make raised beds, build up soil with mushroom compost, cover weeds with mulch, and protect plants with nets and plastic--all using organic methods whenever possible. A must for every gardener.

What could be a more refreshing addition to a garden than the sight and sound of bubbling, gurgling, flowing water? This lushly illustrated guide gives an overview of various exquisite styles, with advice on planning, construction, oxygenation and filtration.Inspirational pictures and diagrams showcase a willow pattern, castaway island and Japanese water gardens. In addition to information on stocking ponds with plants, fish and other aquatic life, there is full coverage of maintenance, improvements and troubleshooting.

From the decorative to the practical, Brickwork Projects for Patio & Garden offers a range of projects for all levels of expertise. Sixteen original projects range from a simple garden wall to a beautiful raised herringbone patio. Each project has been photographed step-by-step during construction and the finished piece is shown in its garden setting. Clear construction diagrams and concise text accompany every project. A comprehensive techniques section provides expert advice and information on designing, planning, tools, materials, foundations, concrete, mortar and cutting and laying brick. This attractive and accessible DIY book is full of ideas for creating practical garden features using this simple and traditional material.

Packed with practical advice from leading cultivation specialists, this concise, easy-to-use book covers virtually every aspect of garden design and maintenance--from choosing a plot to selecting plants, maximizing space and building raised beds. Plant Combinations for an Abundant Garden shows how to create productive gardens by selecting the perfect plant combinations. A comprehensive plant directory provides handy information on summer-flowering annuals, herbaceous perennials, shrubs, small trees, climbers, water plants, bamboos, culinary herbs, fruits and vegetables. Practical advice and step-by-step instructions are included for building up layers of soil with mushroom compost, covering weeds with mulch, protecting plants with nets and plastic and much more. With more than 300 gorgeous color photographs, illustrations and diagrams, this book is a must for busy gardeners everywhere.

16 stylish outdoor projects, from trellises and planters to decking, fences, chairs, benches, tables, sheds, pergolas and more. Each project includes easy to follow step-by-step instructions, colour photographs, clear construction diagrams, and materials lists.Wood is the ideal material for creating fabulous garden features. Whatever the size or style of your garden, this book will provide a wealth of inspiring ideas for enhancing your outdoor space. Authors and renowned DIY experts Alan and Gill Bridgewater also provide comprehensive advice on cutting and preparing wood, fixing joints, finishing and maintaining outdoor wooden structures.

Worried about ever-rising fuel bills and longing for the day when you can be off-grid and independent? Anxious about the quality of the food you eat and planning to go organic? Yearning to get back to the way it was but don't know where to start? This book will show you how to achieve the eco-friendly good life.The authors cover the ecological gamut from geothermal heating to crop rotation to soap making. They answer important questions like how much land is really needed to be self-sufficient, whether or not to depend entirely on natural forms of energy, and which farm animals will best meet your needs.There’s practical information here on building an insulated flue pipe chimney, identifying edible wild plants and composting with worms—as well as recipes for jams, rhubarb wine, cheeses and more. Packed with full-colour photographs, helpful illustrations and diagrams, The Self-Sufficiency Handbook will appeal to urban dwellers who want to adopt certain aspects of greener living and to serious adherents of back-to-basics living.

This exciting project book for children aged 7-14 combines creative play with eco-awareness, while supporting STEAM learning (science, technology, engineering, art, maths). Thirty fun ideas range from building a wind turbine and a go-kart to creating light, growing vegetables, making green gifts, and more. By cleverly combining creativity with eco-awareness, this timely book encourages children aged 7-14 to put down their mobile devices and get involved. From building a wind turbine and a go-kart to creating light, growing vegetables, and making green gifts, Eco Kids Self Sufficiency Handbook offers a wide range of ways to capture the imagination and make a positive contribution to the world around us. Thirty exciting projects support integrated STEAM learning (science, technology, engineering, art, maths). With easy to follow step-by-step instructions and photographs, no project is toodifficult for children to complete with adult supervision.