A vast subject to tackle in such a small book, the RHS nevertheless have produced a guide full of useful information on the wide-ranging choice of flowering shrubs today. Adding structure and interest to a garden, shrubs are a must for all gardens and those that flower are doubly valuable. Ranging from the popular buddlejas, philadelphus and hypericums to the evergreen rhododendrons and azaleas, the shade loving pieris and camellias, sun-loving ceanothus and fremontodendrons, there are flowering shrubs for every type of garden, small or large, every type of soil and every aspect. Offering selection, cultivation and pruning advice, this highly illustrated guide leads the novice gardener through what can be a bewildering choice of plants, gives old hands sound advice on pruning and training and is a handy reference for all gardeners. - Lucy Watson