Tired of advice for gorgeous yards that can only be created in climates like California, southern Ontario or Victoria? Author Lyndon Penner wrote Garden Design for the Short Season Yard for you, because he knows prairie gardeners face challenges no one faces in gentler climates.

Anyone can learn the basics of garden design. In this accessible guide, you’ll discover the pros’ secrets: practical ways to transform your yard using basic design principles. You can create an aesthetically pleasing yard that meets your needs, whether you want stunning curb appeal, privacy, low maintenance, or a lush retreat. You’ll develop your eye for design with Lyndon’s short critiques of gardens, both good and bad. You’ll also find worksheets to help you design your own garden.

With his signature style and wit, Lyndon delivers his expert advice for a four-season makeover for your yard.

Topics include:

• Elements of design, such as scale, balance, texture, colour and repetition.
• Choosing a theme and a focal point.
• Weather, diseases and pests.
• Low-maintenance, water-wise, and shade gardening.
• Trees, perennials, annuals and permanent garden features.

Lyndon Penner has been gardening since the age of three and has never forgotten the thrill of growing his first flowers from seed. Few people match the enthusiasm for gardening that Lyndon has! Starting in the greenhouse industry at the age of 16, he has become well known as a garden speaker and writer for CBC Radio, The Gardener for the Prairies magazine, the University of Saskatchewan, Olds College, the University of British Columbia, and the Calgary Zoo Botanical Garden. Lyndon also does botanical interpretive work in Waterton Lakes National Park.

Lyndon Penner's profile page

[Lyndon] offers excellent advice on plant selection, describes interesting garden styles and themes, and inspires us to be bold.

Saskatoon StarPhoenix

[Lyndon] has definitely filled a need for all Canadian Prairie and Chinook gardeners who are looking for a practical guide to landscape design that is not boring or condescending but packed with useful information and suggestions.

Alberta Horticultural Association