Love makes the world go round. A wonderfully romantic novel from the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of A Wedding in the Country and A Springtime Affair.'Thank goodness for Katie Fforde, the perfect author to bring comfort in difficult times. She really is the queen of uplifting, feel good romance.' AJ PEARCE_________________Ellie Summers' life is unravelling. Finding herself pregnant - and her sexy but idle boyfriend Rick less than enthusiastic about parenthood - she needs a plan. Fast.Grace Soudley's life is also coming apart at the seams - her only security is the beautiful yet crumbling old house she was left by her godmother. But unless she can find a fortune, Luckenham House will disintegrate around her.When Ellie and Grace meet, the two very different women find they can help each other out. Ellie needs a place to stay; Grace needs a lodger. Both of them need a friend. But then the disconcertingly engaging Flynn Cormack arrives on the scene, apparently determined to help. And when Grace discovers some beautiful painted panels hidden behind the tattered dining-room curtains, the whole business of restoration starts to get serious...________________Praise for Katie Fforde'Modern-day Austen. Great fun' Red'Top-drawer romantic escapism' Daily Mail'Warm, brilliant and full of love' Heat'Delicious' Sunday Times Read more

The Instant Sunday Times Bestseller!A compelling call to change the way we think about gardening and growing food, Nettles and Petals is the only guide you need to make your garden more sustainable.Full of essential information and inviting imagery, this accessible guide provides a holistic and ecological approach to gardening and vegetable growing. With a focus on biodiversity, soil health, and the creation of balanced ecosystems, Nettles and Petals is a must-read for any budding gardener.Join Social Media Influencer of the Year 2024 Jamie Walton and the @NettlesAndPetals community on their mission to save the wild plants in our gardens and learn how to begin growing them in your spaces in a practical way.Dig into must-know topics including:Companion plantingThe wonders of nettles and other weedsThe importance of flowers in the vegetable gardenCircular and ecological garden planningGrowing guides for Jamie’s ‘top 30’ vegetablesSeed saving and sowingUrban and small-scale sustainable gardeningHarvesting, preserving, and sharing produceAn ideal self-purchase or a gift for the green enthusiast in your life, Nettles and Petals is perfect for anyone curious about gardening sustainably. Read more

A one-stop treasure trove from the experts at RHS that covers every aspect of gardening!Dreaming of having the perfect garden? Does it have a vegetable patch? Classic borders or flowers to attract wildlife? A picturesque garden for all to marvel at is achievable with this gardening guide giving you the vital tools to achieve whatever you desire for your dream garden. Delve into this concise and practical guide to find all the gardening ideas and advice you need to create a spectacular, thriving garden. Here's what you'll find inside:- A comprehensive guide covering everything from growing in containers to planting a garden from scratch- Fully illustrated with detailed step-by-steps and inspirational gardening ideas- Detailed beginner's guide to garden design, including step-by-step instructions for simple hard landscaping such as building a raised bed, creating a pond, or laying a patio- Covers all aspects of planting styles, including "recipes" to make the most of different types of plants- Easy-to-follow guides on how to water, feed, prune and propagate your garden- Advice on problem-solving and controlling weeds and pests- A chapter full of Plant Chooser galleries to help you grow the right plant in the right place at the right timeLearn how to plan, sow, plant, and protect your garden throughout the year with expert tips and techniques that will see your garden flourish. Discover how to design with plants by using colour and texture to create inspirational displays, and keep them at their best with jargon-free guides to pruning and preventing pests and diseases. Undertake a new endeavour of DIY landscaping projects, which include laying your own patio or lawn, or building a raised bed ready for you to grow your own fruit and vegetables. Choose from a catalogue of hundreds of different ornamental plants to find varieties that will thrive in your garden's climate and provide seasonal interest throughout the year.The Complete Gardener's Manual is the perfect all-around practical book for gardening beginners, also for those looking for a step up from a beginners' gardening book. Read more

Start growing your own food at home! Whether you're an urban gardener, a first-time vegetable grower, or have your own allotment, this illustrated guide takes the uncertainty out of your harvest with clear, reliable gardening advice for every month of the year. This gardening reference guide is filled with gardening tips on growing everything from herbs and kale to strawberries and rhubarb. Inside, you'll find:- Month-by-month chapters that break down what to do through the year, with instructions on what to sow and plant and the gardening tasks to focus on- Visual galleries accompany every chapter that showcases the products that can be harvested during that month- Crop planners that provide a catalogue of more than 60 fruits, vegetables, and herbs that can be grown in an allotment or kitchen garden- "Allotment know-how" chapter that offers detailed, accessible advice on preparing your allotment, choosing the correct tools and equipment, and making the most of your plot with crop rotation- "Troubleshooter" chapter that breaks down the warning signs of pests, diseases, and disorders, with detailed advice on preventing and/or treating these issuesWondering how to grow your own fruits and vegetables or how to make the most out of your existing allotment? Allotment Month by Month has everything you need to know about how to grow your own fruit and vegetables: when to sow, how to cultivate, advice on pesticide use - and step-by-step garden projects like making a compost bin. With more than 60 fruit and vegetable crop planners, this gardening book is your go-to guide to growing fresh, seasonal produce in your kitchen garden, on your plot or in smaller city spaces. Month-by-month alerts help you guard against the season's garden pests and diseases to ensure a top-quality harvest. This new edition has updated recommendations for the best varieties to grow and all the latest expert gardening advice. Read more

People are like flowers. If you give them the right environment in which to grow, they bloom.'It put a spell on me' Lesley Pearse, Sunday Times Bestseller'Charming' Katie Fforde, Sunday Times BestsellerWith nothing but time on her hands, retired nurse Rose Lanyon finds herself drawn to the garden that had once been her husband’s pride and joy.It may have started as a means of honouring her husband’s memory, but her little Cornish garden soon becomes so much more – a place where the lost and lonely can find solace, the forgotten can be remembered, and second chances take bloom. Because, as long as new life is growing, there will always be hope and new memories to make…‘A stunning book, full of insight and warmth. I loved it’ Celia Anderson, bestselling author of 59 Memory LaneEveryone is loving The Garden of Memories:‘A beautifully crafted novel that will stay with you…deserves ten massive gold stars, highly recommended. Very highly’ Anita Waller⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A beautiful story about new beginnings, the warmth of friendship, the healing and energising powers of nature, connecting with others…one I certainly will never forget!'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A delight to read, be it curled up in a cosy corner in your own home or sat outside in your own garden on a sunny day!'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A joyous read with no murders or violence and is a complete delight'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A simply lovely book that is full of heart'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'The descriptions of the flowers, their perfume and colour are so vivid I felt I had walked through Rose's garden myself. The characters in this book are a joy. They restore your faith in human nature…extra special'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A real feel-good read that reminds us to cherish memories, embrace new experiences, and find joy in the little things…It’s simply wonderful – there’s no other words really'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I can’t write a review to do it justice but read it…You will love it'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Funny, poignant, endearing characters, a good spattering of relatable everyday truths, a few unexpected plot twists…everything a good book should be!' Read more

A gripping and beautiful tale of love, loss and secrets. Perfect for fans of Rachel Hore, Lorna Cook and Kathryn Hughes.'One of those rare books that opened an escape door for me away from the worries of the present into a glorious story' – Louise Douglas, bestselling author of The House by the Sea1963: When Clara Samuels buys Butterfly Cottage, she knows the scandal she’ll cause. A single woman buying property is not the ‘done thing’, especially not in a village like Carybrook. But Clara has been in love with Butterfly Cottage, and its garden, since she used to play there before the War. And when she reconnects with her childhood friend James, her decision feels serendipitous. But the true scandal is yet to come, because within six months, Clara will leave England under mysterious circumstances, and Butterfly Cottage will stand empty for more than 50 years.2018: No one is more surprised than Meredith when she’s bequeathed a cottage by a great aunt she’d never heard of. She hopes, briefly, that the inheritance could be the answer to her financial problems. But when she arrives in Suffolk, she is shocked to discover a man is already living there. A young gardener, who claims he was also bequeathed half of Butterfly Cottage.As the pair try to unravel their complicated situation, they unearth a decades old mystery involving Clara, the garden, and a stack of letters left unread for over 50 years…Readers love Rachel Burton's books:'Exquisite storytelling. Two timelines, two poignant love stories, one heartbreaking choice. A secret kept for many years is slowly revealed against the breathtaking backdrop of the butterfly garden. Loved it.' Elena Collins'A fabulous dual timeline mystery with a tale of lost love and family ties. I was totally captivated and raced through to the end!' Clare Marchant'A charming read, expertly plotted and beautifully researched. An intriguing dual time story, exquisitely told.' Jenni Keer'Enticing and atmospheric... Packed with love and mystery that will keep you wanting more from the first page to the last' Lauren North'A wonderful escape... I adored the characters, the headiness of their first loves, and vulnerabilities as they hoped for their own happily-ever-afters' Jenny Ashcroft‘I was hooked on this book practically from the first paragraph.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘Beautifully written, intriguing characters, lost loves, betrayal and lies. Fabulous and highly recommended.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘Such a heartwarming story which I devoured in one sitting.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘What a brilliant book! I loved how it dipped through many histories and kept it flipping seamlessly through many peoples histories.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘Beautifully written, I loved the unexpected twist at the end. A definite five stars from me.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘This novel really holds you fast, all the way to a lovely twist of an ending that warms the cockles of your heart. Just the ticket for the perfect escapist read.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘As the secret is revealed and the mystery solved, the reader will be surprised til the final paragraph. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘A wonderful tale of love, family and so much more!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘Love, romance, mystery and family secrets - what more could I want? Highly recommended.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Read more

An infallible guide to vegetable growing for gardeners with little space but big ambitions. It's time to get your hands dirty!This gardening book will help you learn how to grow, nurture, and harvest more than 50 types of fruits and vegetables. The bright photos, step-by-step illustrations, and foolproof advice will get you growing in no time. Perfect for beginners as well as keen gardeners. This planting book will teach you how to plan your space, be it a small raised bed, some pots, or a large vegetable patch. Maximise your harvest and explore different planting themes that suit your needs! You'll also discover useful tips for selecting plants to match your theme.Want to know how to keep pests away and your plants healthy? RHS Step-by-Step Veg Patchcontains brilliant expert advice on how to grow more than 50 different crops. Simply look up the specific crop you want to grow, and follow the photos and clear instructions on planting, nurturing, and harvesting. You'll also discover the latest popular new cultivars, crops, and heirloom varieties in this updated edition. Dig Into Vegetable GardeningEnjoy a successful harvest with this organised and stress-free approach to gardening. Whether you're new to gardening or interested in saving costs, this book offers easy-to-follow steps for starting and sustaining your very own vegetable garden. It also makes for a perfect gift for the gardening enthusiast in your life.Whatever the size of the garden, this vegetable garden planner offers you:- Beautiful photos- Step-by-step illustrations- Foolproof gardening adviceRHS Step-by-Step Veg Patch is part of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) gardening series from DK Books. DK's series of gardening books present handy advice and tips to expand your gardening knowledge. With DK's gardening books you can discover all you need to know about plants, shrubs, trees, fruit, and vegetables, for all gardening novices or green-fingered experts. Read more

Everything you need to transform your garden into a haven for birds.Packed full of expert birding advice and practical ideas, this compact, easy-to-use bird-watching book will help you create an environment that will invite a rich diversity of birdlife to your garden.It's time to get out into your garden and get bird spotting with this indispensable field guide. Here's what you'll discover: - Profiles of 40 of the most common British garden birds - In-situ photography shows birds as you will see them in your garden or local park, for more accurate identification- Explains the benefits of different bird foods, and gives practical advice on types of feeders and how to site them- Each season is outlined with the major bird activities and feeding requirements- Produced in association with the RSPB's Big Garden BirdwatchBirdwatching can be done in the comfort of your own garden thanks to this revised and updated bird guide. It contains expert advice on how to provide water, food, and nesting sites to create a bird-friendly environment. It also reveals essential tips on observing birds, including the basic equipment needed.Find profiles of 40 of the most common British garden birds, each illustrated with in-situ photography, you'll be identifying all kinds of bird species in no time. Practical projects include making and siting a nest box, and how to design a bird-friendly garden, including choosing plants to attract particular species. With information about seasonal changes in bird behaviour and a helpful size-comparison gallery for the species profiled in the book Look out for more RSPB books from DK. Discover the simplest, clearest guide to identifying common European birds ever in RSPB Birds of Britain and Europe or learn how to easily spot the difference between similar birds in RSPB What's the Bird? Read more

Come to Cornwall and spend some time at the charming Cornish Garden Café. Surrounded by a beautiful, peaceful garden, the café is a haven at any time of the year. Breathe in the clean sea air, listen to the waves crashing against the shore and relax while you sip a refreshing drink and enjoy a tasty bite to eat…Freelance journalist, Lena Teller, is renting a cottage in Cornwall for the summer. After a few challenging years, she’s decided to start writing her first romance novel and feels that three months of sun, sea, and cream teas will be the perfect inspiration.Former professional footballer, Thomas Dryden, comes to stay in Cornwall with his sister, Marnie, and her family. Following an accident that left him with both physical and mental scars, he felt he had no choice but to quit the game. Thomas isn’t sure what comes next but knows that he needs to recover and spending some time in Cornwall seems like a good first step.When Lena and Thomas meet, there’s a spark of attraction but both are wary. Their backgrounds are very different, and they both have heavy emotional baggage. Just as it seems like romance is blossoming, a story about Thomas appears online and he withdraws while he tries to work out if Lena has betrayed him.Will Lena and Thomas find a way to trust each other, or will their doubts mean that this was never going to be more than a summer fling? Read more

The power of The Green Witch meets the magic of oracle cards with these 50 green witchcraft-inspired oracle cards to guide you with the wisdom and insight from natural magic. Embrace the power of the Green Witch with these 50 magical cards enhanced with wisdom green witchcraft. From the author of The Green Witch Arin Murphy-Hiscock, comes insight inspired by the grounding energy of a green witch, calling on the earth, the elements, and all the plants and flowers that green witches use in their practice. From the Cauldron card that inspires change and the Earth that symbolizes peace and balance to Mint for clarity and Bird card that inspires freedom and opportunity, these oracle cards play on the natural elements of green witchcraft to help you give guidance in your witchcraft practice and everyday life. You will also find an informational booklet that details how to use the cards, interpret them, and even which spreads to choose. Read more

'A wise, passionate, heartfelt book. An invaluable resource for those seeking greater attunement with the year's cycles' - Katherine May'I learnt so much, about the alchemy of the living world and the possibilities of relationship. I finished the book newly awestruck by planet Earth and all the life that she carries. Beautifully written, nourishing, evocative and inspiring' - Lucy Jones, author of Losing Eden'Poppy's fresh-eyed look at her own little corner of the county gave me a renewed sense of wonder and delight at the joys and challenges of loving and (on good days) living off a small patch of land. Plus some truly brilliant ideas for getting the most from it' - Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall'This is an intimate look at building a true relationship with a garden and all that live in it. Practical, poetic, political -like the best conversations over tea in the garden' - Alys Fowler-----------A Wilder Way is a memoir of a relationship with an ever-changing garden, of setting down roots and becoming embedded in nature, and of how tending to a patch of land will not only grow us as individuals, but can also help to grow a better world.Join Poppy Okotcha in her wild little garden in Devon, where, over the course of a year, she shares the inspiring, the mundane and the magical moments that arise from tending a garden through the seasons, and what they can teach us about living more sustainably. Alongside tips for sowing and growing, wild ingredients to be found and delicious seasonal recipes to make, she shows us how the small joys of engaging with the natural world are imperative for our physical and emotional wellbeing. How the more we look at the world around us, the more we learn and the more we care. Woven throughout are personal stories, exploration of environmental issues facing us today, and folktales from her English and Nigerian heritage - stories with nature at their heart that have inspired her, and will inspire us to live a little more wildly.With original illustrations from Frances WhitfieldWINNER OF THE JANE GRIGSON TRUST - SOUS CHEF AWARD FOR NEW FOOD AND DRINK WRITERS 2025 Read more

Come to Cornwall and spend some time at the charming Cornish Garden Café. Surrounded by a beautiful, peaceful garden, the café is a haven at any time of the year. Breathe in the clean sea air, listen to the waves crashing against the shore and relax while you sip a refreshing drink and enjoy a tasty bite to eat…Ellie Cordwell seeks refuge with her grandmother, Pearl, in Cornwall after a breakup and the failure of her acting career. Ellie is burnt out and in need of rest and recuperation before she can figure out what comes next.Successful entrepreneur, Jasper Holmes, is busy with work and raising his two young children. He’s gone through his fair share of heartbreak and has made a vow to stay single until his children are grown. In fact, he can’t get his head around the thought of ever dating again.Not one to be complacent, Ellie rolls up her sleeves and helps her grandmother out at the café, in its stunning location near the beach. It’s very different to her life in London and she’s surprised to find herself enjoying being back in the village she once called home.Jasper finds new arrival Ellie as refreshing as the sea air, but friendship is all he’s interested in. His heart is fragile, and he can’t risk it again because he has to be strong for his children.As the spring flowers bloom and the air grows warmer with the promise of summer, something blossoms between Ellie and Jasper. Will they allow their feelings to grow like the flowers in the garden or will they part ways as the summer waves roll in? Read more

This easy-to-use RSPB pocket companion to European and British birds is the ideal field guide for novice birdwatchers and experienced birders alike.From frequently seen garden birds to some of the more elusive birds of prey, discover over 300 species of bird found in the UK and Europe with RSPB Pocket Birds of Britain and Europe. Learn all about birds from their calls and feeding behaviour, nesting habits and habitats, and differences in plumage. Crystal clear photographs bring the birds on the page to life, and notes on distinguishing features will help you identify different species of bird wherever you spot them. Maps show where and when you're likely to see each species, further aiding identification. This edition also includes a web link, where you can hear common bird songs and calls to make identification even easier. This handy book is perfectly portable, making RSPB Pocket Birds of Britain and Europe the perfect companion for taking out in the field. Read more

A Sunday Times bestsellerEven great gardeners like Monty Don are always learning and always experimenting.The Complete Gardener brings you right up to date on how Monty gardens today.This extensively revised new edition covers what Monty believes are the most important aspects of gardening today. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned gardener, it's time to get your green-fingered hands dirty!A comprehensive gardening guide that no gardener should be without: - An introductory chapter that explains the essentials of organic gardening practice- A structure chapter that shows you how to define space in your garden with hard landscaping and natural options, such as trees, hedges, and topiary- Discover all different types of flowering plants explaining how to design with them, combine, plant, and care for them- How to grow fruits and vegetables with in-depth crop-by-crop explanations and which tried-and-tested varieties to choose fromPacked with beautiful illustrations and practical gardening tips, Monty reveals the secrets of growing vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs while respecting the needs of the environment. He covers everything from planning the space and crop rotation to pruning fruit canes and staking peas. Join Monty in his garden at Long Meadow! Over half of the photos included in this updated edition were shot at his renowned personal garden over the course of a year. Discover how he created this beautiful garden, and how you can do the same in your own. Design Your Dream GardenAlthough organic techniques have always been at the core of his practice, this new edition has a new emphasis on gardening for wildlife and the impact of global warming on the garden. This is a go-to guide for anyone seeking Monty's gardening advice and the perfect gardening gift for any plant lover, regardless of their experience or budget. Read more

Compost is free to make, and, with guidance, simple to perfect. Why not learn from the best?Compost is at the heart of Charles Dowding's transformative No Dig system of growing. Feeding the soil community with a mulch of compost is the surest way to ensure nutrients are available for your plants to flourish. In trials, Charles has found there is no more nourishing compost than homemade.What's more, by making your own compost, not only are you recycling your garden and kitchen waste, by feeding your soil you are increasing its carbon-storing capacity and doing your bit to reduce greenhouse gases.Charles shares his years of experience to demystify and simplify:- What to compost and how to get the balance right- Busting all the myths that put people off composting- Effective composting for every situation from balcony gardening to smallholding- Achieve the best results with different systems, from hotboxes and wormeries, through single bins, to pallet heaps, and multi-bay set-upsCompost is a beautifully illustrated, infallible guide to producing compost gold. Read more

‘Ros Byam Shaw does a very good line in…exploring how exactly people live in their particular type of house and advising the rest of us how to achieve a similar decorative look in our own homes’  House & GardenClassic English style is comfortable, timeless, and informal. But it can also be seen as rather grand – most appropriate for rambling rectories, manor houses and country house hotels. This book sets out to show that Perfect English style can be scaled down to work in a home of any age, size or shape. Ros Byam Shaw visits 12 pint-sized homes that are perfect examples of this ever-popular look, including a terraced townhouse in Ludlow, a gardener’s cottage in Kent, a tiny London flat and a perfect Cotswolds country cottage. At a time when sustainability and environmental concerns are at the top of the agenda, Perfect English style prioritises reuse, recycling and upcycling, and happily accommodates objects that are worn, faded, and mended. As the inviting, characterful and compact homes that fill these pages demonstrate, Perfect English Small and Beautiful reveals how to downscale with perfect English panache. Read more

'When a robin appears, a loved one is near' In 2019, Tony Putman was working as a gardener in Edenbridge, Kent, when he noticed a bold robin sitting on a branch of an old plum tree. The robin glanced in his direction as he approached, but he didn't move, so Tony grabbed his camera and took a photo. This would be the first of hundreds of photos that Tony would take of Bob the robin - and the start of an extraordinary friendship that would last for years.As Tony shared his pictures on his social media account, Putman and Robin, he witnessed an outpouring of love - not just for Bob, but for robins everywhere, who populate our gardens with song and movement even on the direst winter days.In this book, Tony shares his touching journey with Bob, and tells the story of our unwavering affection for these magnificent creatures. This is an informative book about the life of a robin, as well as a beautiful love letter to these spirited and lively birds - who offer us a connection with nature, a moment of contact and a great source of comfort and joy. Read more

'The new crime and espionage series from Penguin Classics makes for a mouth-watering prospect' Daily TelegraphAn apparent suicide. A deepening mystery. A letter from a dead man...Secret agent George Smiley is in trouble. A Foreign Office civil servant, Samuel Fennan, has killed himself, and Smiley realizes that Intelligence head Maston is going to set him up to take the blame. Beginning his own investigation, Smiley is shocked to receive an urgent letter from the dead man, and slowly uncovers a network of deceit and betrayal. Le Carré's debut novel was also the first of his many books to feature the tenacious, unassuming and singular George Smiley. Read more

Cut trees and plants at the right time - this pruning and plant training guide will show you how. Keep your garden in top shape with RHS's guide to pruning over 800 plants, shrubs, fruit bushes, ornamental trees, and climbing plants. RHS Pruning and Training (Revised Edition), is packed with tips and advice on keeping your plants neat, tidy, and growing. Inside you will find: - Comprehensive guidance for pruning and training over 800 plants- Clear artworks and step-by-step photographs to guide horticultural experts and gardening novices alike- A practical A-Z approach, organised by plant type, displays detailed information in an easy-to-use format- Guides to specialised techniques for each plant type, such as renovation pruning, pollarding, fruit bush training, topiary, and pinch pruning.Gardening design is so much more than aesthetic! Knowing how to prune and shape plants correctly will help you achieve the best displays of flowers, produce bumper crops of fruit, and help your plants remain disease-free. Learn how to understand how different trees change through the seasons and the best way and time to cut them, apply best-practice techniques to different species, and gain expert insight into gardening a variety of plants. Detailed instructions and illustrations allow novice and amateur-expert gardeners to prune and train their gardens with confidence. Author Christopher Brickel has ensured that this gardening book is an excellent quick reference guide and simple step-by-step instruction manual with illustrations to demonstrate precisely where, how, and when to make those crucial cuts. Read more

The Garden Against Time is the No.1 Sunday Times bestseller from acclaimed writer Olivia Laing; a passionate, epic exploration of the power and possibilities of gardens.'What a wonderful book this is' – Nigel SlaterWhen Olivia Laing began to restore a walled garden in Suffolk, an overgrown Eden of unusual plants, the work drew them into an exhilarating investigation of paradise and its long association with gardens.Moving between the real and the imagined, from Milton’s Paradise Lost to a wartime sanctuary in Italy, to a grotesque aristocratic pleasure ground funded by slavery, Laing interrogates the sometimes shocking cost of making paradise on earth.But the story of the garden can also be a place of rebel outposts and communal dreams, from the improbable queer utopia conjured by Derek Jarman on the beach at Dungeness to the vision of a common Eden cultivated by William Morris. New modes of living can and have been attempted amidst the flower beds, experiments that could prove vital in the coming era of radical change.‘This book is what we need right now: paradise, regained’ – Philip Hoare‘Every generation gets one perfect book about gardens and this is ours’ – Julia Bell‘Prepare yourself to be enchanted’ – Jilly Cooper‘The most magical writing’ – Jeremy Lee‘I felt doubly alive after reading it’ – Celia Paul‘Quite literally unputdownable’ – Jinny Blom‘A book for thinking gardeners everywhere’ – Mary Keen Read more