Over 700 glorious full-colour photographs. Comprehensive botanical A-Z directory of herbs for easy plant identification. Practical advice on all aspects of growing herbs with step-by-step instructions. Herbs have been highly regarded by myriad cultures, both ancient and modern, as an essential part of daily life. They are prized for their range of scents, medicinal properties and remarkable seasoning qualities. This superb book illustrates herbal history and how the western tradition of herb gardens began. Detailed information on how to choose herbs to suit any location is given, with practical advice on laying out the garden and creating decorative features. Useful gardening techniques are demonstrated with photographic step-by-step sequences. The botanical A - Z directory of herbs covers 250 individually photographed herbs with plant descriptions and details on cultivation. An inspirational, yet practical book on herbs and herb gardening, this is the ultimate reference manual to growing, using and identifying herbs successfully.