David Stevens (1) (1946–)

Beautiful to look at, and very inspiring. PACKED with information, however at times extremely opinionated. Which I suppose is OK when you're as experienced as these guys. I find myself going back to it again and again, and have to rush off into the garden shortly after..

Good sections on different garden stylrd (cottage, japanese, counrtyard etc). Book is split into four sections. Section 1: designing a garden: making a plan, principles of design and planting, site prep and gives 10 example designs. Section 2: garden elements: boundaries, surfaces, features, water and living in the garden. Section 3: top 100 plants. Section 4: gardening techniques. Plenty of pictures, diagrams and "how to" backed by thorough text explanations.

Small book with lots of photos which give ideas which can be used or adapted. Has some monochrome plans which are also illustrated with photos. Not very strong on "how to" technicalities of hard landscaping or detailed planting plans which can be frustrating.

A complete illustrated guide to growing plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables outdoors in pots. Published in cooperation with the Institute of Urban Horticulture of the New York Botanical Garden.