Devoted to gardens of every kind and the people involved in their making, The Oxford Companion to the Garden provides comprehensive coverage in 1,750 alphabetical entries detailing all aspects of the garden--from the ancient to the avant garde. It combines a survey of the world's gardens, biographies of garden designers, nurserymen, and others, and entries on the worlds of horticulture and plantsmanship, with articles on a range of topics from garden visiting to garden elements and styles, and from scientific issues to the social history of gardens.

Sumptuous color photographs by some of the world's best garden photographers, and elegant engravings of historical subjects give a vivid impression of what it is like to be in these inspirational gardens. Every type of garden is covered, from palace gardens such as Versailles to private gardens of outstanding design or plant interest, public gardens, botanic gardens and arboreta, late 20th-century land art, and contemporary gardens everywhere. Central to the book are the garden cultures of Italy, Britain, France, China, Japan, and the USA--unquestionably the most significant in the world--but the geographical coverage is worldwide, including such far-flung regions as Turkey, Peru, and Bali.

"Put plainly, this doorstop of a reference book is worth its weight in gold."--The Los Angeles Times

"The most comprehensive, authoritative, and beautifully illustrated single volume available about the world's great gardens and their creators...Essential."--CHOICE

"A valuable book for students of landscape design and garden enthusiasts. It's the perfect guide for anyone who wants to learn in an entertaining way about magnificent classical to contemporary gardens of the world.... A beautifully published hardcover that can be displayed on your coffee table."--The Washington Post

"The editor has increased the number of U.S. gardens cited in this edition.... The book is liberally sprinkled with handsome full color photographs that catch the spirit of the individual landscapes."--National Gardener

"Includes 1750 A-to-Z entries covering all aspects of gardening.... Over 1000 gardens world wide are featured--a number greatly expanded from the previous edition.... Highly recommended."--Library Journal

"A word of warning - there's no quick escape from this marvellous book"--Hugh Johnson

"A search engine for gardens between two covers.... Brings together a vast array of knowledge about gardens throughout the world over time."--Bill Noble, Director of Preservation Projects, The Garden Conservancy

"One of my all time favorite garden books.... If you are interested in a term, a place, a garden, or a person on the world's gardening scene this is the place to start."--Chuck Gleaves, Director of Kingwood Center

"Very readable. The style is clear, concise, and engaging."--American Gardener

This book provides comprehensive coverage in 1,750 entries detailing all aspects of the garden. Every type of garden is covered, but central to the book are the garden cultures of Italy, Britain, France, China, Japan, and the United States, as well as coverage for countries such as Turkey, Peru, and Bali.

Patrick Taylor is a well-known garden writer and lecturer. He has been writing about gardens and gardening for nearly twenty years and is the author of many books. He also has had regular columns in or written articles for The Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Telegraph, Country Life, Gardens Illustrated, and The Garden.

Introduction / Preface

List of Advisory Editors

List of Contributors

Thematic Index

Guide to the Colour Illustrations

Note to the Reader

A-Z text

Bibliography

Select index

Picture credits