The numerous garden makeover programmes on television have inspired many people to take a greater interest in their gardens. This book takes them a step further and encourages them to look beyond the hard landscaping of decking, paving and concrete and gain an intimate knowledge of the live elements in the garden. By giving an insight into the extraordinarily complex and beautiful mechanics of not only plant life, but the soil, the compost heap and a host of hidden processes, the book lays the vital foundations of knowledge that gardeners can draw on time and time again. It's not green fingers that produce healthy, beautiful plants, but an understanding of what's going on under the soil and inside the leaves that will ensure that your garden looks great all year round.