The Revolutionary Yardscape: Ideas for Repurposing Local Materials

by Matthew Levesque

Budget-friendly, environmentally sound, and one-of-a-kind, discovering new uses for what you already have or what you discover in the salvage yard is truly living local. It reduces a garden’s environmental impact, saves money, and—most importantly—is fun and creative. From making pathways out of scrap wood and metal to creating garden lights from discarded indoor fixtures, The Revolutionary Yardscape features dozens of garden design projects and inspirational ideas for taking advantage of salvaged materials found in the home, junkyard, or thrift store.

A master of using reclaimed items, expert Matthew Levesque covers the basics of hardscaping, garden construction, and outdoor decor using local materials. He includes essential techniques and step-by-step guidance for transforming unconventional salvaged materials into pathways, decking, fences, screens, containers, seating, and more. The Revolutionary Yardscape also shows readers how to see the beauty and possibility in salvaged materials. Levesque gives tips on how to think outside the garden box — from imagining a pile of old keys becoming a rain chain to seeing the infinite possibilities in scrap metal and piping.

This new set of skills embraces the idea of finding an object first and letting the design plan follow. Vividly illustrated with photographs of exciting contemporary projects, The Revolutionary Yardscape will make gardeners think outside the box by designing with unexpected materials.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 13, 2010

Reviews

[Rebecca Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was interesting but maybe too singularly focused on the author's yard. I would like to see examples from different types of projects in many areas. Much of what he did isn't applicable to me so it felt limiting. But I love the idea, loved the rain chains, and look forward to trying some of the ideas.

[Amberwench · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true 'use what you have' style inspiration for the reuse and recycle DIYers! Some of the ideas not so practical (Glass stepping stones? Slippery!), but many more clear photos of how to take twisted scrap and make it visually appealing.

[Whitney Pittsenbarger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing really caught my eye in this book. I have yet to find a repurposed/ junk garden book that really grabs my attention with anything new. The rain chain ideas were kinda groovy though.

[Cyndi]

It was an interesting book, but I kept thinking how overwhelming his yard must be!

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiration for using recycled things to decorate your garden. Flipped through.

[Mhd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basically, this is an idea book for garden art, structures, furniture, etc., from used materials. It helped me "get outside the box." The photos & concepts are extremely interesting. I think some of the other GoodReads comments that downgrade the book for only showing one garden have missed a point or two. It's a bunch of ideas and how to go about them. Then, Levesque's focus on his garden shows how it can all fit together in one space. I think I would have had a lot of doubt about being able to carry out the diverse ideas and make myself one integrated garden if the book had just been isolated ideas from all different locations/artists/gardeners. Lots of magazines and blogs have individual things to do, but I always fear how it would fit in with what I already have or want to have; this book gives me courage! That being said, now I certainly would like to see in-depth examples of additional comprehensive gardens...how about a follow-up volume??

[Andrea Lublink · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have a desire to be different, unique and to utilize all kinds of materials for your yard, then this is the inspirational book for you!

Lots of good ideas and examples to make you think.

Now I am looking at all my "junk" in a different light!

[Trish · Rating 2 out of 5]

Non-Fiction; Home Improvement
1.5/2 stars

Too junky and random for my taste. Each individual project wasn't a bad idea, just when they were all put together it seemed a bit to much like a Hoarders episode.

[Cas D. · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book about what I generally gravitate towards: DIY ideas and upcyling. Nice photos and clever uses of materials, but explanations of method are poor. The outdoor designs are also mostly unsuited for Pacific North West weather. Pretty book, but meh overall.

[reading is my hustle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best ideas ever for yardscaping.
Best. Ever.

[Mary Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting ideas, nicely photographed. More inspirational than how-to.

[H S]

Casting exterior plasters - pg. 138 / hypertufa

[Marsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super great ideas...need to hit up some 2nd hand material places!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It gives a ton of ideas without focusing on a lot of specific projects, and it looks great while it does so. Lots of inspiration.

[Emelda · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was cute to look through, but nothing caught my eye as my style- besides, perhaps, the shutter-blinds tool shelf, super cute idea.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

IDEAS FOR REPURPOSING LOCAL MATERIALS TO CREATE CONTAINERS, PATHS LIGHTING, AND MORE-From the books cover

[Du · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun look at using recycled material in outdoor landscaped areas.

[Lois - Who Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some very interesting yard ideas.