With so many plants in the world, this book helps you to navigate the myriad number of species and hybrids available and learn what to look for when choosing varieties. The plants in this book are featured for being particularly enjoyable or delightful – edible fruits, tender vegetables or fresh herbs, ornamental flowers, eye-catching foliage or plants with evocative scents. Others have a pleasing architectural shape, strange texture or other curious quality that make them worthy of note.

The flowers, trees and herbs have been chosen by an expert team of garden writers and plant lovers, with the home gardener in mind and full-colour photographs, authoritative text, and at-a-glance growing information is provided for each selected plant. Expert contributors discuss plants from Europe, the USA and Australia, selecting plants based on authoritative plant awards, impartial trials and records, and feedback from gardeners.