This work describes thousands of species of ornamental shrubs, their hybrids and cultivars in alphabetical order. Bamboos and climbers are also included. The emphasis is on the use of shrubs in the garden and the author's Line of Facts provides advice on key points at a glance, giving size, whether evergreen or deciduous, scent, colour of flower, flowering season, autumn colour and propagation for each plant, together with a short description of its general character.;In introductory chapters Graham Stuart Thomas urges gardeners to consider not only practical matters but also the ethos of the place when choosing plants. He lists shrubs for special purposes, such as damp soils, shade clay and hedging, as well as for the colour of bark or leaves.