Proving that when coaxing, bribing or blackmailing one of the men in your life to perform those awkward tasks around the house and garden doesn't work, there's somewhere to turn, this book provides women with tips on exterior home and garden maintenance they can carry out themselves. Seven succinct chapters provide the information needed to get down to some serious exterior work, which should prove valuable for both everyday use and emergencies. Whether you're gazing forlornly at some broken guttering or looking glumly out at a neglected patio, this book tells you how to repair it. Taking it gently at first - just a little light deck chair recovery and a bit of gravel raking - by the end of the book you should find mixing mortar as simple as making a martini. Subjects covered include: getting a basic toolkit together; organizing sheds, garages and basements; roofs, drains, walls and windows; lawns, patios and decking; building and repairing fences and gates, plus putting in security; and garden fixtures, furniture and features. And, finally, if a task's so big you really do have to call in the experts, the book provides information on picking the right ones for the job and knowing how to talk the talk.