For centuries people have relied on accumulated country wisdom in the tending of their gardens; this gorgeous manual and of garden traditions brings together all that knowledge into a single reference. Taking its inspiration from the three key gardening elements, the book is divided into three sections: Earth, Air, and Water. Each section contains tried and tested practical advice for the gardener, from effective planting, and how to predict weather changes to the secrets of creating a healthy soil and keeping out pests. A final section, Plant Alchemy, explores the private world of plants and tells you which plants are good for your garden, which plants make ideal bedmates, and which plants are better kept apart.