The People's Gardener

With his trademark bowler hat and clipboard, Jim Buttress is a familiar figure to garden lovers. As head judge at the RHS he presides over shows like Chelsea and Harrogate, as well as the colossal Britain in Bloom competition where the local rivalries and politics are terrifying. He's also known to millions from the BBC's Big Allotment Challenge.

Now in The People's Gardener, he describes how the working class boy from south London who's never passed an exam in his life became Head of the Royal Parks and gardener to the Queen Mother. He reveals what it was like to join the RHS and the resistance he met from the 'old guard' who didn't appreciate his down to earth manner and outspokenness, and how he copes with the pressures of judging - from the mighty Chelsea to the smaller village shows. He also describes the skulduggery that goes on behind the scenes during the Britain in Bloom competition, as well as the passion and skill shown by thousands of gardeners around the country.

Charming and funny, and packed with unforgettable characters, this book will delight everyone who shares Jim's love of gardening.