A fantastic guidebook with real character. Not only does it cover the usual suspects e.g. National Trust gardens, but dozens(at least!) you'll not find elsewhere, such as Yellow Book gardens, and 'hidden' urban spaces such as the Provand's Lordship garden in Glasgow. It also cover nurseries, not hived off into a separate section, but alonside the gardens, which recognises the importance of the independent and specialist nurseries place in the gardening world. There's a short introduction covering the history of gardening in Scotland, and it's current place in economy and society.

Anybody who has ever met or heard Kenneth Cox, will recognise the writing immediately: informed, entertaining and unstuffy. He manages to find new things say about some very well known gardens and to make it personal (see his comments on the Garden of Cosmic Speculation for example). The photography is by Ray Cox, who seems set to become another distinguished member of the Glendoick dynasty.

This is a must-have for anyone interested in Scottish gardens and gardening. It's a good size, for both reading and portability and sets a new standrad in garden guides in being so much more. ( )