A vivid historical and horticultural picture of the great gardens of the National Trust, now in paperback Britain's National Trust has the finest collection of gardens ever assembled under one ownership—the greatest in number, diversity, historic importance, and quality. Together, they form the world's most important collection of cultivated plants, distinguished by their beauty, rarity, historical interest, and scientific value. Historically and horticulturally, a vivid picture of the gardens is painted, with all the major periods represented—from a knot garden from a 1640 design to Victorian Gardens and the famous plantsmen's gardens of the last century. Both a practical guide and a rich source of inspiration, the book includes horticultural details, a complete plant list, and a section on the many other Trust gardens to visit. Throughout, splendid color images by the country's leading photographers bring to life the beauty of each garden.