http://www.garden.org
The Name Gardeners Trust

The time has never been better to discover the website, garden.org. Established by the National Gardening Association, their belief is in the "power of gardening to transform environments, individuals, and communities."

This site is easy to navigate. Some of the main categories to choose from are: flowers & bulbs, lawns & landscaping, and garden care & pests. Within each main category, for example, flowers and bulbs, there are several sub-categories such as roses, annuals, perennials, and bulbs. In each sub-category there is a feature article and a "how to" project. Also of value is an area titled basics. In this section one can read a more thorough explanation of, for example, annuals and perennials. An "events calendar" and a "climate zone finder" are accessible on every page. On the left side navigation are gardening resources, community, and business-to-business links.

If you are interested in reading about drafting a landscape map, mulching trees and shrubs, or planting a window box, click on lawns and landscaping. How about reading about soil drainage or how to buy and plant trees in the garden care & pests section? Don’t forget to read through fruits, veggies, and herbs. For the gardener in training, there is also a link to kidsgarden.org filled with resources for kids, families, and teachers. Your garden awaits you and garden.org is there to help it to grow.

Reviewed by R & RC Staff Member Jesse Negrete - S.D.

America's Graphic Design Magazine

Where can you find relief block prints of pop icons or dolls and storytelling in Chicago? Looking for matchbook labels or a "life under totalitarianism" history museum in Budapest? Look no further than Print magazine, where you can find a variety of articles related to graphic design.

In addition to the multiple advertisements for paper, type, and royalty-free images, Print magazine is filled with innovative articles. The articles not only highlights the featured artist or design firm, but also provide pertinent information about product development. In the article titled, "Allied Forces," find out why web and film design firm Ph.D. is characterized by the motto "idiosyncrasy is standard." Another article that would interest many relates to designer Yohji Yamamoto’s book, Talking To Myself. The article is illustrated with four photographs, which are an excellent choice in symbolizing Yamamoto’s unique style. One can also read about the relationship between typography and installations in the article about artist Margaret Kilgallen.

Included in this bi-monthly magazine are such departments as: "Books In Print, Design and New Media, and Tribute." Art directors, designers, and illustrators are eligible to submit published print work for Print’s national design competition. If accepted print work will be published in Print’s Regional Design Annual. They also publish a Digital Design Annual, highlighting quality examples of organization and navigation of a website.

Reviewed by R & RC Staff Member - Roseanna Garcia

Looking for a great book on exquisite fabric and the history of American textiles?
Opulent Textiles: The Schumacher Collection is a great resource detailing how entrepreneur Frederic Schumacher made history by creating the Schumacher Company, best known for carrying the finest in imported and domestic textiles.

Along with information on the Schumacher Company, this publication consists of an archived collection of over 250 exquisite colorful photographs. View photos of the company in the making or check out pictures of one-of-a kind textiles. Fine textiles presented include:

• Brocade
• Damask
• Silk Lampas
• Tapestry
• Toile
• Chintz

The pictures give stunning examples of the way Mr. Schumacher used fabrics for furniture, beddings, and draperies. Through an extensive and exclusive clientele, Schumacher had tremendous success decorating walls, ceilings, and furniture in the White House; creating one-of-a-kind curtains for top name Opera Houses; and designing dining and bedding materials for Five Star Hotels.

Although primarily a textile book in nature, this publication can be used to receive a glimpse of company history, textile manufacturing, interior design, and color theory. The pictures will leave you in awe from the detail and intricacy of each pattern. For those who are interested in the beauty of art, it is a must see for inspiration.

Reviewed by R & RC Staff Member - Beverlee Carbral - S.D.