Over 453 colour photographs
Over 110 illustrations
Over 55 animals

• Over 500 photographs, charts and artworks show you how to create the garden of your dreams



• Over 50 plans for a variety of ideas, including water gardens, stylish Japanese gardens, low maintenance gardens and gardens for entertaining or children



• Packed with advice, ideas, hints and professional tips on the basics of design, adapting plans and planning a budget



• Caters for all sizes, shapes and types - including L-shaped, sloping, small, round, balcony, patio or roof terrace



• How to interpret your own ideas to create a personalized garden that you can enjoy for years to come



• Identifies plants suitable for different types of garden so that you can choose the best plants for your design

Every garden benefits from planning. Whatever you want from your garden, whether it be a rambling verdant retreat, a wildlife haven, an outdoor dining room or a hassle-free backyard, good planning and design are essential. This book encourages you to look at what you want from your garden, to plan around those needs, and to create a personalized garden that you can enjoy for years to come.

Over 50 different types of gardens are planned out, grouped into the most popular areas: surprisingly simple water gardens, stylish Japanese gardens, low maintenance gardens and gardens for entertaining, playing, eating, and growing things in. Sizes and shapes are catered for too; L-shaped or sloping, balcony, patio or roof terrace, small or large, all are shown with excellent, original ideas for making the most of your natural assets.

Each plan is large and clear with a useful key identifying each element of the design, as well as practical step-by-step tips on how to achieve certain elements in the design, whether it be laying gravel, maintaining container plants or constructing a pond. Examples of plants suitable for the different types of gardens are photographed and described, so that you can choose the right plants for the best positions, conditions and styles.

About the Authors

Peter Mchoy - Author

Peter McHoy is a well-known author and journalist. He started his career as a seed analyst, but soon moved into magazine journalism so he could share his enthusiasm for plants and gardens with others. He has written more than 60 books, mostly on gardening, and though now retired he still contributes regular gardening features for a number of magazines. He has also compiled and edited important gardening works such as The Gardening Encyclopedia and The Gardener’s Diary. He also runs a horticultural photographic library.