In this book Lawrence D. Hills covers the whole field of garden planning, landscaping, wall and path construction, the growing of flowers, shrubs, trees, hedges, alpines and lawns. Entirely realistic, he knows all about badly sited garages, disappointing loads of turf, inherited piles of building rubble, and the many snags and obstacles besetting suburban gardeners. Nor does he forget that the garden is also a children's playground, window-cleaner's base and domain of cars and clothes lines.

'A basic and eminently practical book about gardens - ordinary gardens, such as are owned by thousands of people all over Britain. The emphasis is on flowers, lawns and the leisure areas, with their roses, annuals, perennials and bulbs. There is advice on what to grow in a small garden - particularly important with trees and shrubs - and guidance on cultivation, propagation and the prevention of pests and diseases, for which the author has some unusual recipes.' Frances Perry, Observer