How does a newly introduced plant become part of a garden scheme? How often have new plants moulded the designs in which they feature? What plants have been used to implement desired effects? The multiplicity of ways in which plants have contributed to garden design is a theme of this absorbing study. Penelope Hobhouse - plantswoman, gardener, designer and authority on historic gardens - is uniquely qualified to shed new light on this complex subject. In this widely researched and engrossing book, Penelope Hobhouse focuses on the plants themselves and the interest - even passion - they have aroused. She examines the perennial interaction between what plants are available and the ideas of people growing them. She demonstrates that plants, however inspiring, remain the raw material of the garden maker's talent - and explores the extent to which gardeners are creatures of their age.