In England, gardening and garden-visiting are national obsessions. More than 80 years ago, the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) was founded with the aim of raising money for charity by opening gardens of quality and interest to the public. In the first year, some 600 gardens were opened. Today, over 3700 gardens ? many of them privately owned and opened for just a few days each year ? are listed in The Yellow Book, the annual guide published by the NGS. The Gardens of England gives you the opportunity to enjoy 50 of the country's greatest garden gems from the comfort of your armchair. Each of the five chapters is written by a different leading gardens expert, and surveys 10 gardens opened as part of the NGS during a particular period. George Plumptre, head of the NGS, provides an engaging introduction on garden-visiting, and 12 well-known gardeners offer a personal account of their favourite NGS garden. Featuring established and new gardens of all styles, this is a book that no lover of the English garden should be without. SELLING POINTS: ? Showcases 50 of the best gardens of the National Gardens Scheme from its beginnings in 1927 to the present day ? Features a wide range of garden styles, and both private and public gardens ? A beautiful book for garden lovers everywhere, and for anyone interested in garden history AUTHOR: George Plumptre is Chief Executive of the National Gardens Scheme. He is the author of several books on gardens, including Heritage Gardens (2007). Joe Swift, President of the National Gardens Scheme, is a garden designer, TV presenter and writer. ILLUSTRATIONS: 200 colour
