A good read

IF CHILLY WEATHER MAKES YOU DREAM OF SUNNIER CLIMES, The Jungle Garden BY PHILIP OOSTENBRINK (FILBERT PRESS, £25) IS ONE BOOK THAT WILL HELP TAKE YOU THERE. HEAD GARDENER AT WALMER CASTLE IN KENT, PHILIP HAS A PASSION FOR EXOTIC-LOOKING HARDY PLANTS THAT IS QUITE INFECTIOUS. WITH SARAH CUTTLE’S INSPIRING PHOTOGRAPHY, HE SHOWS US WHAT DRAMATIC EFFECTS CAN BE ACHIEVED BY CULTIVATING AN ARTFUL MIX OF LUSH FOLIAGE. THERE IS COMPREHENSIVE DESIGN AND GROWING ADVICE, ALONG WITH EXAMPLE SCHEMES AND A HANDY 102-PLANT A-Z THAT RUNS FROM ACANTHUS TO ZINGIBER.