Adrian Bloom - holder of the Royal Horticultural Society's Victoria Medal of Honour - looks at the changing role of plants through the seasons and how, with careful planting, you can have a wonderful garden even in the bleak autumn and winter months. Adrian discusses the challenges of each season, such as the need for shade and moisture in the summer, and the need for variety and hardiness in winter. Throughout the book he describes his own favourite plants, plant associations and schemes for gardens that will take you through the year, and these are shown in glorious colour photographs, many of which were specially commissioned for the book and were taken in Adrian's own garden. Colour artworks are used to illustrate planting plans and line artworks show general hints and tips. There is a chapter devoted to plant associations and, at the end of the book, a plant directory giving information in suitable varieties, their hardiness and their cultivation requirements.