About the Author

Liz Primeau is renowned for her garden writing and regularly lectures on garden design.

Reviews

[Review of previous edition: ] [Primeau] provides more than 200 photographs of examples where lawns were ripped up and replaced with free-flowing, more environmentally friendly (and prettier) plants.-- "HGTV.com" (6/19/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] [Starred review] This substantial book takes a refreshing look at front yard gardens ... Filled with practical ideas, Primeau's encouraging text is liberally supplemented by lush photos ... Highly recommended.--Bonnie Poquette "Library Journal" (5/15/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] A well-written 232 pages, the authors knows of what she writes, having been there, done that and showcasing the landscaping to prove it.--Ian Munt "Sudbury Star" (4/3/2007 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] A witty and very well written volume that offers so much more than just details on basic gardening... a must for anyone who wants to create impact and dazzling color in their front (and back) yard gardens.--Niki Jabbour "Halifax Daily News" (11/25/2005 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] All the tips and photographs prove that you can keep off the grass -- step by step -- with style.--Jo Calvert "Canadian Living" (7/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Alternatives to lawns ... from cactus austerity to full-blooming exuberance.--Michael Lassell "Metropolitan Home" (7/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Conversational text and lovely photography by Andrew Leyerle make this edition an interesting choice for home gardeners.-- "Phoenix Home and Garden" (9/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Excellent primer on the rewards and challenges of starting a yard garden.--James Grainger "Quill and Quire" (5/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Great photographs ... full of interesting ideas on ways to take a different approach to an often blah and boring space.--Sonia Day "Toronto Star" (5/17/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Help in rejuvenating a front yard so that flowers, foliage, textures, and hardscaping come together in inviting swaths to both beautify and benefit the environment.--Alice Joyce "Booklist" (5/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] I love this book... Primeau is a terrific writer and gardener, and this marvelous book just might inspire and guide you into a whole new level (and area) of gardening.--Robert Howard "Hamilton Spectator" (10/31/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] I've just finished reading [this book], and I've got to say I'm feeling excited and inspired. I should also mention that this makes my husband more than a little nervous.--Susan Mulvihill "Spokane Spokesman" (6/27/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Inspirational ... great tips on how to plant so your garden doesn't clash with the neighborhood.--Sherry A. Firing "Globe and Mail" (4/26/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] It's a gorgeous book.--Mairi MacLean "Edmonton Journal" (6/21/2007 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] More than 70 examples of the kinds of front yard plans others have come up with, and a how-to manual that gives extensive lists of plants.--Verne Clemence "Saskatoon Star Phoenix" (4/12/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Offers another compelling reason for putting flowers out front: Flowers look good... the concepts and how-tos for eight gardening styles are helpful.--Kathy Huber "Houston Chronicle" (12/20/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Showcases more than 70 gardens from around the country that tackle the challenge of front yard design from a variety of perspectives.--Rita Pelczar "American Gardener" (10/15/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] The book is handsome, informative and amusingly written, and it should serve as an inspiration to those who are tired of old-fashioned lawns.-- "Publishers Weekly" (2/17/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] The photographs are delightful and the text is written in informative and heartfelt prose.--Sylvia Jenkins "Central Coast Adventures" (1/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] The results will not only look superb, but will require no chemicals and take far less time and water to maintain.--Ken Smith "London Free Press" (7/12/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Turn your yard into an earth-friendly showstopper.--Bonnie Schiedel "Chatelaine" (5/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Very good.--Jamaica Kincaid "New York Times Book Review" (6/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Very well written and illustrated book... thousands of ideas.--Stuart Robertson "Montreal Gazette" (12/13/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Visually compelling book, full of varied design suggestions.-- "Canadian House and Home" (6/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Will inspire homeowners to contemplate the use of flowers, shrubs, trees, ornamental grasses and creatively placed paths as the mainstay of their home's curbside beauty.--Patty Jessome "Edmonton Sun" (3/29/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Wonderful photographs... a range of designs from minimalist to lush jungle to a swath of native grasses.--Marjorie Harris "Globe and Mail" (8/9/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Wonderfully literate.--Laurie Grassi "Style at Home Magazine" (6/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)

For an in-depth look at designing, Front Yard Gardens, Growing More Than Grass by Liz Primeau is a thorough guide to a splendid collection of gardens. Although it is primarily for non-edible gardens, it provides helpful planning tips.-- "Grit Gazette" (2/1/2009 12:00:00 AM)

I love this book! The photographs are plentiful, large and inspiring. The captions are extensive and informative, highlighting and explaining what is shown...Oh, for time, money and energy enough to create a garden like these! If you like houses and gardens, get this book.-- "Escarpment Views" (8/22/2010 12:00:00 AM)

Liz Primeau offers wise guidance on how to go about converting a costly front lawn into an attractive home entrance with curb appeal. The lavishly illustrated text contains proposals for a diversity of gardens before different style homes in a range of climates. Some are photographed at different times of the year so that the viewer will have greater awareness of the seasonal changes, which affect the look of a home entry. What sets this inspiring book apart from similar works is the author's practical, environmentally friendly advice and step-by-step instructions on gardening in the front yard.-- "National Garden Clubs" (6/1/2010 12:00:00 AM)

Must-read resource.--Bill Brooks "Calgary Herald" (7/13/2017 12:00:00 AM)

Packed with practical tips and more than 250 beautiful photographs, this new, revised edition of Firefly's Front Yard Gardens explores the history of the lawn and our attachment to it. The book profiles 75 front yard gardens from across North America; provides step-by-step instructions to start and grow a fabulous front yard garden.--Rob Mooy "Kingston This Week" (7/1/2010 12:00:00 AM)

Primeau provides a variety of approaches to the front yard garden.--Terry Peters "North Shore News" (9/15/2010 12:00:00 AM)

Primeau's inspiration for a front yard garden originated in Amsterdam, but most of the featured yards are from Southern Ontario. The rest of Canada is included, as are places in the United States. Of particular interest is watching her front yard metamorphose from all grass with a few foundation plants to a full-frontal flower fantasy. The 75 featured yards provide inspiration in their own right, but it's the listing of plants and when they flower that enables the reader to replicate this look at home. The lush photographs by Andrew Leyerle make the reader aspire to the same beauty. The book explores different types of front yard gardens: cottage, small city, opulent, minimalist, fusion, natural, neighbourhood, and my favourite, secret gardens. The index is very helpful and of particular note, so is her recommended reading. The Canadian resources are a treat for northern eyes. Front Yard Gardens isn't just another pretty flower book, it's one for the reference shelves and should be well-thumbed by novice and expert gardeners alike.--Peggy Mackenzie "Toronto Star" (5/22/2010 12:00:00 AM)

The cottage garden, the secret garden, the minimalist garden and others are clearly illustrated for the reader. It's like visiting a garden show with instructions! This is a very nice publication for those considering making a change in their landscape.-- "National Gardening Association Newsletter" (4/5/2012 12:00:00 AM)

The green green grass of home doesn't interest Liz Primeau. She's a front yard rebel and proud of it. Her 65 by 40-foot lawn is long gone, replaced by a gregarious gathering of vibrant vegetation -- fabulous flowers, cacti, shrub and small trees. The results are spectacular.--Joanne Richard "Wetaskiwin Times-Advertiser" (5/2/2009 12:00:00 AM)

This is a picture book of beautiful gardens, as well as hints and instructions on how to turn your dull front lawn into a lush and blooming year-round vista. You have a choice of cottage, minimalist, opulent, shady, natural or even secret gardens--and no more mowing.--Annie Boulanger "Burnaby Now" (6/26/2010 12:00:00 AM)

With so many great photos of front yard gardens, this book provides a great motivation to rip out grass in your front lawn.--Janice Kreider "GrowingEdibles.com" (11/25/2008 12:00:00 AM)

Primeau, founding editor of Canadian Gardening magazine, posits that a perfect lawn may not always be a good thing, arguing that well-manicured lawns are high-maintenance, chemical-dependent water guzzlers; she would be happy to see them all replaced by the flower gardens so often relegated to the back yards of urban and suburban houses. Starting with the luxuriant display of flowers, foliage plants, and shrubs in her own front yard in Toronto, she discusses more than 70 front yard gardens, most of them in Canada but some in Texas, Arizona, California and Wisconsin. She divides these front yard gardens into eight types-cottage, small city, opulent, minimalist, fusion (some grass allowed), natural, neighborhood and secret-and shows in text and photographs how they were designed, how they reflect the personalities of their owners, and what plants were used. There can be obstacles to such gardens in cities and suburbs-neighbors' objections, local regulations, overhead and underground wires, bad drainage, and hard surfaces-and she describes how many people have overcome these problems. Unfortunately, Primeau doesn't include among the many splendid photographs in the book any that show how one of these colorful gardens would stand out in the context of a block where all the other houses are fronted with carpets of grass. But this is a small matter. The book is handsome, informative and amusingly written, and it should serve as an inspiration to those who are tired of old-fashioned lawns. 240 color photographs. Garden Book Club and Country Home & Garden Book Club selection. (Mar.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

[Review of previous edition: ] [Primeau] provides more than 200 photographs of examples where lawns were ripped up and replaced with free-flowing, more environmentally friendly (and prettier) plants.-- "HGTV.com" (6/19/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] [Starred review] This substantial book takes a refreshing look at front yard gardens ... Filled with practical ideas, Primeau's encouraging text is liberally supplemented by lush photos ... Highly recommended.--Bonnie Poquette "Library Journal" (5/15/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] A well-written 232 pages, the authors knows of what she writes, having been there, done that and showcasing the landscaping to prove it.--Ian Munt "Sudbury Star" (4/3/2007 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] A witty and very well written volume that offers so much more than just details on basic gardening... a must for anyone who wants to create impact and dazzling color in their front (and back) yard gardens.--Niki Jabbour "Halifax Daily News" (11/25/2005 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] All the tips and photographs prove that you can keep off the grass -- step by step -- with style.--Jo Calvert "Canadian Living" (7/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] Alternatives to lawns ... from cactus austerity to full-blooming exuberance.--Michael Lassell "Metropolitan Home" (7/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] Conversational text and lovely photography by Andrew Leyerle make this edition an interesting choice for home gardeners.-- "Phoenix Home and Garden" (9/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] Excellent primer on the rewards and challenges of starting a yard garden.--James Grainger "Quill and Quire" (5/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] Great photographs ... full of interesting ideas on ways to take a different approach to an often blah and boring space.--Sonia Day "Toronto Star" (5/17/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] Help in rejuvenating a front yard so that flowers, foliage, textures, and hardscaping come together in inviting swaths to both beautify and benefit the environment.--Alice Joyce "Booklist" (5/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] I love this book... Primeau is a terrific writer and gardener, and this marvelous book just might inspire and guide you into a whole new level (and area) of gardening.--Robert Howard "Hamilton Spectator" (10/31/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] I've just finished reading [this book], and I've got to say I'm feeling excited and inspired. I should also mention that this makes my husband more than a little nervous.--Susan Mulvihill "Spokane Spokesman" (6/27/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] Inspirational ... great tips on how to plant so your garden doesn't clash with the neighborhood.--Sherry A. Firing "Globe and Mail" (4/26/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] It's a gorgeous book.--Mairi MacLean "Edmonton Journal" (6/21/2007 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] More than 70 examples of the kinds of front yard plans others have come up with, and a how-to manual that gives extensive lists of plants.--Verne Clemence "Saskatoon Star Phoenix" (4/12/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] Offers another compelling reason for putting flowers out front: Flowers look good... the concepts and how-tos for eight gardening styles are helpful.--Kathy Huber "Houston Chronicle" (12/20/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] Showcases more than 70 gardens from around the country that tackle the challenge of front yard design from a variety of perspectives.--Rita Pelczar "American Gardener" (10/15/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] The book is handsome, informative and amusingly written, and it should serve as an inspiration to those who are tired of old-fashioned lawns.-- "Publishers Weekly" (2/17/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] The photographs are delightful and the text is written in informative and heartfelt prose.--Sylvia Jenkins "Central Coast Adventures" (1/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] The results will not only look superb, but will require no chemicals and take far less time and water to maintain.--Ken Smith "London Free Press" (7/12/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] Turn your yard into an earth-friendly showstopper.--Bonnie Schiedel "Chatelaine" (5/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] Very good.--Jamaica Kincaid "New York Times Book Review" (6/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] Very well written and illustrated book... thousands of ideas.--Stuart Robertson "Montreal Gazette" (12/13/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] Visually compelling book, full of varied design suggestions.-- "Canadian House and Home" (6/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] Will inspire homeowners to contemplate the use of flowers, shrubs, trees, ornamental grasses and creatively placed paths as the mainstay of their home's curbside beauty.--Patty Jessome "Edmonton Sun" (3/29/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] Wonderful photographs... a range of designs from minimalist to lush jungle to a swath of native grasses.--Marjorie Harris "Globe and Mail" (8/9/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of previous edition: ] Wonderfully literate.--Laurie Grassi "Style at Home Magazine" (6/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)
For an in-depth look at designing, Front Yard Gardens, Growing More Than Grass by Liz Primeau is a thorough guide to a splendid collection of gardens. Although it is primarily for non-edible gardens, it provides helpful planning tips.-- "Grit Gazette" (2/1/2009 12:00:00 AM)
I love this book! The photographs are plentiful, large and inspiring. The captions are extensive and informative, highlighting and explaining what is shown...Oh, for time, money and energy enough to create a garden like these! If you like houses and gardens, get this book.-- "Escarpment Views" (8/22/2010 12:00:00 AM)
Liz Primeau offers wise guidance on how to go about converting a costly front lawn into an attractive home entrance with curb appeal. The lavishly illustrated text contains proposals for a diversity of gardens before different style homes in a range of climates. Some are photographed at different times of the year so that the viewer will have greater awareness of the seasonal changes, which affect the look of a home entry. What sets this inspiring book apart from similar works is the author's practical, environmentally friendly advice and step-by-step instructions on gardening in the front yard.-- "National Garden Clubs" (6/1/2010 12:00:00 AM)
Must-read resource.--Bill Brooks "Calgary Herald" (7/13/2017 12:00:00 AM)
Packed with practical tips and more than 250 beautiful photographs, this new, revised edition of Firefly's Front Yard Gardens explores the history of the lawn and our attachment to it. The book profiles 75 front yard gardens from across North America; provides step-by-step instructions to start and grow a fabulous front yard garden.--Rob Mooy "Kingston This Week" (7/1/2010 12:00:00 AM)
Primeau provides a variety of approaches to the front yard garden.--Terry Peters "North Shore News" (9/15/2010 12:00:00 AM)
Primeau's inspiration for a front yard garden originated in Amsterdam, but most of the featured yards are from Southern Ontario. The rest of Canada is included, as are places in the United States. Of particular interest is watching her front yard metamorphose from all grass with a few foundation plants to a full-frontal flower fantasy. The 75 featured yards provide inspiration in their own right, but it's the listing of plants and when they flower that enables the reader to replicate this look at home. The lush photographs by Andrew Leyerle make the reader aspire to the same beauty. The book explores different types of front yard gardens: cottage, small city, opulent, minimalist, fusion, natural, neighbourhood, and my favourite, secret gardens. The index is very helpful and of particular note, so is her recommended reading. The Canadian resources are a treat for northern eyes. Front Yard Gardens isn't just another pretty flower book, it's one for the reference shelves and should be well-thumbed by novice and expert gardeners alike.--Peggy Mackenzie "Toronto Star" (5/22/2010 12:00:00 AM)
The cottage garden, the secret garden, the minimalist garden and others are clearly illustrated for the reader. It's like visiting a garden show with instructions! This is a very nice publication for those considering making a change in their landscape.-- "National Gardening Association Newsletter" (4/5/2012 12:00:00 AM)
The green green grass of home doesn't interest Liz Primeau. She's a front yard rebel and proud of it. Her 65 by 40-foot lawn is long gone, replaced by a gregarious gathering of vibrant vegetation -- fabulous flowers, cacti, shrub and small trees. The results are spectacular.--Joanne Richard "Wetaskiwin Times-Advertiser" (5/2/2009 12:00:00 AM)
This is a picture book of beautiful gardens, as well as hints and instructions on how to turn your dull front lawn into a lush and blooming year-round vista. You have a choice of cottage, minimalist, opulent, shady, natural or even secret gardens--and no more mowing.--Annie Boulanger "Burnaby Now" (6/26/2010 12:00:00 AM)
With so many great photos of front yard gardens, this book provides a great motivation to rip out grass in your front lawn.--Janice Kreider "GrowingEdibles.com" (11/25/2008 12:00:00 AM)