The ground rules of gardening feature in this guide which will be useful to anyone with a plot of land to till, whether urban patio or well-appointed rural acre. Fundemental design principles are explained, and step-by-step instructions in basic skills are included like pruning, weeding, fighting pests and diseases, and simple propagation. Advice on choosing plants is given, taking into account a garden's soil, climate and position, and suggestions for plant co-ordination feature to suit different tastes in colour and texture. For the more confident gardener, how to specialize in a number of areas is shown, such as cultivating kitchen gardens, using greenhouses, engineering water gardens, and tending plants with special needs. Tips and do's and don'ts are offered in this book which answers beginner's questions and also provides a refresher course for more knowledgeable and experienced gardeners.