Discussing in detail the merits of natural planting habitats, especially those of country-cottage gardens, this book shows how different types of landscapes have evolved in Britain (moorland, wetland, coastal, mountain, chalk downland, woodland, urban clay, midland clay) and which types of plants grow naturally in these landscapes. It also offers advice on building up a planting plan for your garden, using natural species for your area, with several plans to illustrate, for example, planting for a chalky soil and an acid soil, seaside planting, and a grouping giving a sunny and a shady side. Plans are included of specific gardens around Britain, including the author's own wild garden at Denmans, a tiny country-style garden in London (clay), a town garden on acid soil (Glasgow), a barn garden on wet, acid soil (Muttons Barn), a cultivated moorland garden (Stone Farm), an informal garden (Michael Wickham's garden in Oxfordshire), and a garden with a wild pond (Witherdene Farm, Redmarley). Also included are planting lists of natural vegetation for each soil type, and several planting plans for cottage and naturally-landscaped gardens.