Publisher's Synopsis
For centuries the gardens of Britain and Ireland have borne witness to the "genius of gardening", providing a rich heritage that stretches back to Roman times. With numerous detailed examples of gardens from all periods, the author of this book explores the whole world of the garden, the planning, designing and landscaping, planting styles, gardening tools and techniques, the history of plants themselves, the spread of gardening ideas and the role of influential individuals, as well as the many different worers involved. The author also focuses on the uses to which gardens have been put, and on the social and economic life associated with them.
