Stephen Lacey paints a vivid historical and horticultural picture of the great gardens of the National Trust.

All the major periods and styles of garden design are represented, ranging from magnificent 18th century landscapes like Stowe and Croome Park, and heady Victorian creations at Biddulph Grange and Waddeston Manor, to famous plantsmen's gardens of the last century, such as those at Hidcote Manor and Sissinghurst Castle.

Glorious colour photographs complement eloquent prose to bring the gardens to life.