New Backyard Idea Book    by Natalie Ermann Russell Order:  USA  Can Taunton Press, 2010 (2010) Softcover Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Bob Walch Completely revised and updated, the guide is brimming with ideas for ways of creating or doing a makeover of porches and patios, outdoor rooms for dining and entertaining, garden rooms, and all types of sheds and outdoor buildings. Over 300 color photos show the finished project and illustrate how a drab area can be transformed into a place you and your family can enjoy relaxing and entertaining in throughout out the year. As you page through this guide looking for inspiration, you'll be surprised to see how the use of railings, a trellis, special lighting, water features like a fountain or small pond, a fire pit, or new planters can work wonders on a deck or patio. No matter the size of your backyard, you can make it appealing by adding walkways, terraces, built in cooking areas, containers for plants, and pergolas which will also create shady areas. The author also addresses storage issues and how to create attractive but functional outdoor cabinetry for firewood, garden tools and other items that you don't want just laying about. For those who have more space, there is a section on creating activity areas where a family can enjoy a bocce or basketball court, putting green, play yard with swings and other equipment, or even a tree house. If you have been thinking about adding a small, detached office, workshop, storage structure, greenhouse or even a guest house, you'll want to take a look at some of the author's suggestions on how to make the dream a reality. As the title suggests, this volume shows the many possibilities and will help you start planning a backyard transformation. It does not provide a step-by-step guide on how to actually make it happen. You'll need to sit down with a contractor/landscaper or find how-to guides when you get to the construction stage. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews