Take It Outside

<b>From the hosts of Bravo's <i>Backyard Envy</i> comes a beautifully photographed guide to converting your outdoor space into an enviable oasis whether you have a backyard brownstone patio or three-season porch.</b><br><br>Dubbed the plantfluencers by the <i>New York Times</i> Mel Brasier Garrett Magee and James DeSantis owners of the Manscapers landscaping company do more than plant mulch and manicure a garden; they look at the space just as interior designers do a room considering the aesthetics and the way people live in it. Now they show you how to apply familiar interior design principles to your outdoors including:<br>&#160;<br><li><b>Deciding on a concept</b> to help direct the mood of your space</li><li><b>Zoning your space</b> into functional areas such as for lounging cooking or entertaining</li><li><b>Defining the areas</b> with furniture and hardscaping like fencing decking pools planters pergolas and pathways</li><li><b>Bringing in the green</b> including plants that are both functional (privacy shrubs and shade trees) and decorative (pretty perennials climbers and textural grasses)</li><li><b>Adding the finishing touches</b>: the pillows throws hurricane lanterns and other details that will make you want to linger long after sunset</li>&#160;<br>Plus you'll have information on hiring a contractor and landscaper and the specific materials and plants the Manscapers love to use in their designs. No matter how big or small your exterior space this ultimate guide to landscape design will help you bring the comfort of the indoors outside.