Gardens have been created to fulfill many functions: some to provide food or medicine, others for pleasure and recreation or simply to reflect the wealth and status of their creators. This lavishly illustrated book celebrates the extraordinary diversity of Scottish gardens and their creators, whether they be herbalists, plant collectors, nurserymen, botanists, artists or amateurs. It also traces the development of different types of garden - monastic gardens, royal gardens, walled gardens and town and village gardens - through the ages. By focusing on around sixty Scottish gardens, Suki Urquhart examines the distinctive tradition of Scottish gardening, how it has developed over time, and how it has been shaped by climate, conflicts and changing fashions. Since the emphasis is very much on how gardeners stamp their own character on their gardens, it is private rather than public gardens which are featured here. Information is given on visiting the gardens.