This important new book presents a fresh vision of how to use tulips in contemporary gardens. A short introduction explores the history of tulips - their origins, how they came to Europe and the current status of the tulip industry. Michael King then moves swiftly into the garden, to give detailed guidance on how tulips can best be combined with other bulbs, perennials, shrubs and trees, in beds, borders and containers. Twenty groups of classic tulips - all available today, all valuable in the garden - are then described in detail, with outlines of their characteristics, origins and potential uses. A separate chapter deals exclusively with colour, making it easy for the reader to choose tulips to create different colour combinations. Full growing and maintenance instructions are also provided. The guide is extensively illustrated throughout with Michael King's photographs.