This beautifully illustrated book offers an authoritative account of the development, features, and leading people and places of the architectural garden in England. The book begins with a short garden history from pre-Roman times through the Middle Ages, then leads into a discussion of the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement and the significance in the twentieth century not only of Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll, but also Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky, the Bauhaus style, and Geoffrey Jellicoe.

Garden elements are discussed in detail, including plans, sketches, and photographs of trees and hedges, steps, seats, and borders. Each item is put into historical context and explanations are given of the ways in which space is structured and themes are chosen.

Variations in formal garden style are discussed in detail, from Edwin Lutyens's formal use of the garden axis at Gledstone Hall in Yorkshire in 1922, to the more naturalistic garden styles at Hidcote Manor and Sissinghurst Castle, and the use of the sunken garden at Marsh Court, Folly Farm, and Great Dixter, for instance.

The text concludes with ten full tours of prominent gardens including Parnham House, Hestercombe Garden, and Snowshill Manor, all documented in vibrant photographs and superb drawings that illustrate the features and structure of the architectural garden. A list of 100 of the finest gardens in the United Kingdom, complete with visitor information, makes this an essential volume for gardeners, landscape architects, students, and travelers.