This book has a week-by-week approach, detailing species and varieties of plants when they are at their best throughout the year. John Cushnie loves the cones on the Korean Fir in January, Bunny Guinness admires the Lenten Rose in March, Matthew Biggs is beguiled by the 'sleek willowy elegance' of the Corn Cockle in May, Bob Flowerdew celebrates the Victoria Plum at the beginning of September - the voices of the authors are clearly heard, making this not only a valuable reference, but a personal, opinionated conversation with some of Britain's favourite gardeners. Each comprehensive entry gives the plant's preferred soil and situation, its hardiness, eventual height and spread, flowering season and special features and, most importantly, the reason the author believes this to be a fantastic addition to the garden.