PERENNIAL FAVOURITES

A celebratory history of English gardens

Waddesdon, Great Dixter and Sissinghurst are among the great landscapes featured in this new book that charts the history of the English garden over a period of 500 years. The richly illustrated tome has an ambitious scope, ranging from small mediaeval plots, where every plant was prized for its medicinal qualities, right up to the colourful, modern designs of today. catriona gray ‘The Story of the English Garden’ by Ambra Edwards (£25, Pavilion Books) is published on 28 June.

below: the double border in the walled garden at felbrigg hall, norfolk . right: waddeson manor

the walled garden at mottisfont, hampshire

the topiary garden at levens hall in cumbria