Product Review

Home gardens have become increasingly important both for socializing and for retreating from the hectic pace of modern life. In Making Twig Garden Furniture, Abby Ruoff shows how to embellish these spaces with everything from simple birdhouses and planters to elaborate benches and trellises - all made from twigs and bentwood. Now in its second edition and greatly expanded, the book introduces 10 new unique designs, and 61 projects altogether. Complete plans for all projects are included, with skill levels ranging from beginner to expert. Old favorites cover both the startling (Scarecrow) and the serene (Robin's Nesting House). New projects include a Revamped Red Rocker, a Rustic Plant Trainer, and a Canopy Bench with a Bluestone Seat. Designs such as the Herb Gathering Basket and the Picnic Cover (to protect outside meals) will inspire readers to bring back some charming but useful traditions.