For more than 1,000 years the English have been making gardens - ten centuries successfully combating the forces of nature, amidst an erratic, unpredictable climate, and in the wake of four successive ice-ages which destroyed all but the hardiest native plants. The unfolding story of our gardens closely follows the development of the nation, most particularly its magnificent architecture, providing dazzling contribution to England's cultural heritage and fascinating insight into profound social changes over the centuries. Some English gardens remain in an historic time warp, whilst a number of the larger ones demonstrate a complete history of gardens within their own boundaries. This book selects just some of the country's numerous outstanding gardens, and key areas within them, to portray the colourful progress of the English garden from its origins to the present day.