"Topiary, knots, and parterres come in many guises, from the grand and imposing to the humble and folksy. In this book Caroline Foley -- with the aid of diarists, writers, wits, designers, gardeners, and garden owners -- traces their story through the centuries and across the world"--Jacket flap.

Topiary is experiencing a revival of interest. Step-by-step photography illustrates innovative design projects, suitable for courtyard gardens, and both large and small gardens.'

A toparius was a Roman garden designer, the clipping and shaping of trees and shrubs is thus a very old art, yet in this book the reader is treated to designs such as a locomotive, an Egyptian temple and a leafy Loch Ness Monster.

Whether focusing on deadheading or disbudding techniques to produce abundant flowers, cutting back in preparation for winter, clipping fruit trees for increased yield, or shaping topiaries, this book spells out each lesson in detail. The drawings demonstrate the correct approaches to this essential process, and color photographs display precisely pruned plants.

Knot Gardens and Parterres is a fully illustrated guide to the history of these decorative features and shows how they relate to other contemporary arts and crafts. It also explains how to design and plant a knot garden.

This volume is based on a session at a 2005 Society for Historical Archaeology meeting. The organizers assembled historical archaeologists from the UK and the US, whose work arises out of differing intellectual traditions. The authors exchange ideas about what their colleagues have written, and construct dialogues about theories and practices that inform interpretive archaeology on either side of the Atlantic, ending with commentary by two well-known names in interpretive archaeology.

Allotment gardening is becoming increasingly popular as more and more people discover that growing their own organic vegetables, fruit and herbs is an attractive and achievable option. This text is full of practical information and tips on every aspect of growing produce on an allotment.

As long as there have been gardens, box has played a part. In A Gardener's Guide to Box, experienced box specialist, Jenny Alban Davies, describes the use of box in a wide range of garden designs and situations. Along with useful information about the nurture of box plants as well as how to maintain clipped box in an optimal state from year to year, this book also explains the best way to grow healthy box, with the most up-to-date advice on its care. Topics include: designing with box in different styles and in small as well as large gardens; descriptions of twenty Buxus species and cultivars, with notes about their use in the garden; how to keep box topiary planted in containers healthy, and advice on controlling pests and diseases. Whether you are planning to plant a knot garden, dealing with a recent attack of blight or caterpillar, growing a box hedge from cuttings or creating your own topiary shape from an untouched plant, this book will give you the know-how to do it.

Whether you want a wall, or a pond, a new look for your lawn or an inventive way to pave your patio, Garden Design Details is packed with hundreds of images and ideas. With practical information about what materials and designs will work in harmony with your garden, this book will open your eyes to the possibilities at hand. All the ideas are attainable and durable, with options for different styles and sizes of garden. Divided into four main chapters - Verticals; Horizontals; Punctuation; and Casework - the book discusses the main visual elements of a garden and then shows them in context through a selection of international case studies. In Verticals you'll find walls; hedges; fences; railings; trellis work; entrances and openings; gates; doors; level changes; feature plants and trees; woods; orchards; and land sculpture. Horizontals covers beds; borders; edging; paths; terraces; lawns; meadows; wild flower planting; knots; parterres; mazes; lakes; ponds; water features; natural swimming pools; stepping stones; land sculpture; and bridges. Punctuation discusses eye-catchers; seating; planters; pots and urns; statues; sculpture; fountains; arches; pergolas; tunnels; plant supports; and garden buildings. A final chapter of case studies shows the bigger picture with vertical, horizontal and punctuation design elements together in situ to show how they can be used to best advantage. The case studies illustrate a range of styles and settings including traditional, contemporary, minimal and international.Arne Maynard gives useful and practical advice for every type of garden from country acres to town courtyard. With over 350 photographs and design information covering everything from walls to paving, and fences to ponds, Garden Design Details is packed full of ideas.