Climbing plants are perfect for softening a garden, hiding unattractive bare brickwork, fences or sheds, and also providing height and colour. Whether you want to create a romantic cottage garden look, with pretty pastel hues or a make a striking visual statement with intense, bold colour, clematis is the ideal plant. With over 250 known species and cultivars, there is an abundance of choice, both in terms of colour and form. This practical book gives all the guidance you need to choose the right clematis for your garden and expert advice on planting and cultivation. There are also tips on choosing companion plants to make the most of your displays. It includes: detailed lists of the species and cultivars, arranged according to season; what to look for when buying clematis; planting for best results; providing support: trellises, pergolas and free-standing structures; and raising new plants from seed or cuttings by layering. It also includes aftercare with a clear guide to pruning & what to do when things go wrong. It is illustrated in full colour, with 150 colour photographs.