A beautiful, practical field guide to the living craft of gardening in Britain.

From a windswept coastal plot to a sheltered city courtyard, every British garden has its own weather, soil and rhythm. The British Garden helps readers understand those conditions first—then choose the plants, techniques and seasonal jobs that genuinely fit.

Written in a clear encyclopaedia style and enriched with original botanical artwork, this generous reference moves from first principles to confident practice. Discover how to read aspect and microclimate, improve soil without exhausting it, make compost, sow and propagate plants, compose long-season borders, grow vegetables and fruit, manage containers and greenhouses, care for lawns, meadows and hedges, welcome wildlife, and diagnose common problems before reaching for treatment.

Inside you will find:

concise one-page entries designed for quick use outdoors;

field notes, immediate tasks and safety cautions;

an adaptable month-by-month gardening year;

guidance for wet, dry, coastal, upland and urban gardens;

a glossary, plant finder and trusted further-reading list.

Whether you are tending an allotment, reviving a mature plot or planting your first pots, Clara Hawthorn’s calm, observant approach will help you make a garden that belongs to its place—and grows better with every season.

For 2026 Books

Published books