How to Read an English Garden - Tapa dura

"There is a genuine need for an intelligent, easy-to-use and well laid-out book that will provide expert, unpatronising information for both existing enthusiasts and especially for the growing number of people who have recently discovered an interest in gardens." (Author comment)

"stunning photographs of gardens in all their glory are interspersed with copious and riveting information about their history, cultural and social significance...in irresistible short chapters, the authors regale us with intriguing horticultural facts" (Daily Mail)

"A well-illustrated, informative and entertaining guide....a superb dip-into introduction to the fascinating world of garden history" (Country Life)

Richard Taylor, author of the best-selling How to Read a Church, joins forces with garden historian Andrew Eburne to produce the ultimate guide to historic and modern gardens.

Gardens are amongst the fastest-growing visitor attractions today - in the UK alone 15 million people will visit a garden this year. How to Read an English Garden is the essential book for every garden lover. It provides an account of the different elements of gardens of all ages and explains their meaning and their history: here, you'll find the answer to such questions as: when were tulips introduced into our gardens, and what was 'tulip-mania'? What is a knot-garden, and what was the origin of its design? Who was 'Capability' Brown, and how did he get his name? Why are mazes such a common feature in English garden design? In addition, the book explains how lawns, flowerbeds, trees and ponds came to be a feature not just of grand houses but of gardens everywhere. Among the many subjects covered are: garden design, plant introductions and collectors, kitchen gardens, water gardens, and garden styles from around the world: English, American, Chinese and Moorish to name just a few.

Clearly laid out and beautifully illustrated, How to Read an English Garden brings historic and modern gardens to life: a book to accompany garden visitors everywhere, or to be enjoyed and dipped into at home.