How can gardeners select and arrange perennial plants to create sustainable, aesthetically cohesive landscapes that thrive in specific environmental conditions? Beth Chatto, a renowned plantswoman, utilizes her decades of experience at her famous gravel garden and nursery to provide a comprehensive framework for plant selection based on ecological compatibility. The book argues that by observing the natural habitats of plants, gardeners can move away from high-maintenance intervention toward self-sustaining, long-term planting schemes.

This work is widely regarded as a foundational text for serious gardeners, praised for its blend of practical horticultural expertise and artistic vision. The book provides a clear, authoritative guide for those looking to move beyond basic gardening toward a more nuanced understanding of plant ecology.