The Design Puzzle -- Putting the Pieces Together

"The Design Puzzle: Putting the Pieces Together" by Bobbie Schwartz is a compilation of articles written for several publications, now put into a logical progression. The book is divided into four sections that discuss the elements of landscape design, using plant material (mostly perennials and ornamental grasses) in a designed way, plant material that works in specific site situations and seasons, and some humorous reflections on plant obsession.

The information provided would be useful to the landscape designer and to garden centers for employee education as well as sales to the home gardener. The book is 260 pages. It was first published in January 2001 by the author and has been revised and expanded in 2003. It is available from Joseph Beth Booksellers, Amazon.com and the author herself for $25. Garden centers should inquire about special rates for multiple copies.

To learn more about topics covered in "The Design Puzzle," see the Table of Contents page, which lists the major chapters and themes covered in the book.

"The Design Puzzle" Reviews

"'The Design Puzzle' by Bobbie Schwartz is a charming compilation of not only the author's past stories and articles but of her past 20-some years of experience. The diversity of the information is insight into this talented lady's broad gardening knowledge.

"The book is divided into four handy sections opening with design elements, followed by plant material, and conditions of design while finishing with some reflective design thoughts. Bobbie has provided some particularly useful information for gardening in the shade, or as she describes it 'filling the shadows with light.' Bobbie's clear and easy to understand language makes this book valuable for the home gardener as well as the landscape contractor."

Tracy DiSabato-Aust, Author, "The Well-Tended Perennial Garden"

"Last month I got a pleasant surprise in my mail when I received a gift from the OLA of a book on perennials. The authoress is a lady I consider a friend and sometimes client. She is the Growing Concern's own writer of the column, 'Perennial Focus,' one of my favorite monthly essays.

The book is a compilation of the many essays Bobbie has written over the years for many publications. I always read her columns and, though I've spent many years working on my hands and knees in amongst hundreds of perennials, I still don't know everything there is to know about them, but I can always learn something from her. I remember when Bobbie first started out in the business, many of the male gardeners would gripe about 'that housewife who is planting and maintaining perennial gardens.' She has surprised many of them because of her success. Many other young women have entered the landscape business and are doing equally as well.

"Whenever we install perennial beds that customers plan on maintaining, I suggest buying a good book on the care and upkeep of the plants. Because of the low cost and information available in this book, I will just purchase the book from the OLA bookstore and give it to the customer.

"For now, I'm going to stop at Bobbie's and see if she will autograph my copy."

N. Thomas Strnad, Growing Concern

"Reading: 'The Design Puzzle, Putting the Pieces Together' has been written and published by landscape designer Bobbie Schwartz of Shaker Heights. She shares a lifetime of design experience.

"Schwartz discusses the best ways to work with various sites, whether shady or sunny, wet or dry. She writes about soil preparation and selection of plants, as well as color palettes and where to put what for the most aesthetic appeal and best growth.

"This is an easy book to read. She writes as if she's talking with a friend. Warning: Don't start this one if you have only a few spare minutes. You won't want to put it aside."

Suzanne Hively, Get Growing