Every year thousands of people visit the private gardens which are open under the auspices of the National Gardens Scheme. This book, published to tie in with a television series presented by Susan Hampshire, focuses on the 12 gardens featured in that series, each of which is explored both in words and through drawings and Hugh Palmer's photographs. The gardens chosen typify the diverse styles and strengths of British gardening. Through interviews with the owners, the book uncovers the secrets that they hold, and also offers a mine of information and practical advice and tips, showing the results that can be achieved without spending a fortune. Susan Hampshire, best known as an actress, has also written extensively on gardening and is the author of Easy Gardening. Susan Berry has been an inspector for the Good Gardens Guide and co-wrote English Private Gardens.