The Weekend Garden Guide: Work-Saving Ways to a Beautiful Backyard

As more Americans take up gardening, without ample leisure to devote to it, this book is well timed. Roth, herself a weekend gardener, tells us how to create low-maintenance gardens full in scope but realistic in hours and energy required. Popular tricks for easy care are noted, such as the use of ground covers over large areas, rather than lawns or demanding perennials, but the author also takes pains to make some innovative suggestions--ways of incorporating pest-free plants, and a list of ``especially well-behaved perennials.'' Even budget is considered, a refreshing angle among today's often overly lavish tomes. Roth does not limit readers to only a few types of gardens but surveys a range of designs, from flowers, fruits and vegetables, to trees and shrubs, and woodland and wildflower plans. A garden gallery showcases attractive weekend gardens. Although Roth's tone is cloyingly cute, in content she's faultless. Photos not seen by PW. (Mar.)