Garden Heroes And Villains

This follow up to the engaging 'Gardeners, Gurus and Grubs' takes a longer look at the heroes and villains of the gardening world. Learn how Heron of Alexandria surprised unwelcome visitors to his garden in the ancient times by squirting water over them from his newly invented fountain. Find out the true story of the garden gnome - introduced into aristocratic society by eccentric gardener Sir Charles Isham in 1867. Or the stories behind garden invaders - moles, squirrels and the Leyland Cypress. On the other side of the garden fence, we learn the story of those who have been a boon to gardeners everywhere, from Phillip Miller and his roller, and Harry Veitch, who secured the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea for the Chelsea Flower Show, to Elsie Wagg who had the ingenious idea of opening private gardens to visitors to raise money for charity. Controversial and intriguing, but above all, a 'good read', this fascinating collection of stories about gardening goodies and baddies is enlivened by numerous contemporary engravings. It makes an ideal present for gardeners everywhere, and a secret source of trivial wisdom for all armchair enthusiasts.