World in a garden - Bill Malecki

The garden is the supreme example of a truly successful global culture. Most of the tried and tested plants we grow in our gardens today are species which originated in other parts of the world. The earliest explorers brought back seeds and plants from their travels, and a similar spirit of adventure and love of a challenge has prompted gardeners throughout history to see if they could successfully cultivate these exotic "aliens" on British soil and in the often more testing conditions of the British climate. But the main reason why many of these plants are beloved by British gardeners is for their beauty, and the dramatic variations of colour and form they can add to an existing display.;This book presents a selection of the very best of such plants from all over the world, now growing at National Trust properties in the British Isles. Illustrated with photographs of the plants in bloom and at their peak, the book provides a visual reference source for the gardener and garden designer. Accompanying photographs show the plants growing in their original terrain, and outline maps provide an at-a-glance guide to geographical location and spread. An expert text gives details of ideal growing conditions and cultivation to enable you to create your own version of a miniature tour of the world or "World in a Garden".