Focusing on the different roles that flowering plants can play in garden pictures all through the seasons, Penelope Hobhouse discusses the qualities that distinguish climax plants, companion plants, flowers for massing in carpets and floral backdrops. The contribution of flowers to different garden styles is discussed in subsequent chapters - from natural gardening, where flowers thrive in the landscape as if growing spontaneously, through classic flower borders and beds, to more manicured styles of elegant formality. The author selects over 700 of the best flowering plants in a comprehensive catalogue, giving full cultivation details. Hobhouse has also written "Colour in Your Garden" and "Garden Style".