Book excerpt: Natural Pattern Forms A Practical Sourcebook for Landscape Design Richard L. Dubé Here for the first time is a practical guide to naturalistic landscape design. With the aid of easy-to-use templates, author Richard L. Dubé introduces you to 48 natural pattern forms, and shows you how to apply these natural solutions to everyday outdoor design problems. Imagine drawing from a palette as varied as an arcing river, receding hills—even clouds and frost. This book provides the inspiration you need to break away from staid design solutions and discover design solutions that are creative and natural. All 48 original templates include a sketch, a photo, and a discussion of the structure, aesthetic attributes, and underlying emotional tone of the pattern form. In addition, Mr. Dubé shows how each form can be reconfigured to meet the needs of specific spaces. Further, each template is cross-referenced to specific design applications, demonstrating practical ways to incorporate natural pattern forms in real designs. This book is a unique and invaluable visual resource for professionals and a creative guide for students who are learning to see the natural landscape in a new way. In addition to expanding any existing repertoire of design solutions, this important new resource: Looks at specific design problems. Offers a range of possible solutions for each problem. Explains how and where to look for natural patterns. Presents information in a clear and concise manner. Provides beautiful visual examples. Author Richard L. Dubé is uniquely qualified to create the first practical guide to naturalistic landscape design. A practicing landscape designer for 17 years, Mr. Dubé is a professional interpretive naturalist with extensive knowledge of Japanese landscape design and construction. In this book he draws upon his knowledge of the conscious use of natural pattern forms in the world-renowned gardens of Japan.