How did exotic, oriental plants find their way into the borders of English gardens? Penelope Hobhouse - plantswoman, garden designer and authority on historic gardens - is uniquely qualified to shed new light on the absorbing history of gardens from ancient Egypt to the twentieth century. This is a book on the history of gardens and gardening which describes the evolution of the Western model and explains the various historical factors which have created the modern idea of gardening as both art form and popular pastime. In her survey of the rich heritage of Western gardening, Penelope Hobhouse's text is complemented by a collection of illustrations that range from the earliest Egyptian tomb painting to some of today's best garden photography.