After a nod in the direction of the history of potager and parterre gardens, Anthony moves on to the reasons for planning and designing.
Her assumption that one is starting from scratch is faintly irritating, as most gardens start with an existing plot and modification is more usual than beginning with a bare patch.
However, if you are lucky (or maybe unlucky) enough to be in the latter group of gardeners, the points are invaluable, while those into modifying an existing garden will find plenty to inspire them, thanks to sketch plans and photographs.
As is to be expected, planting plans concentrate on symmetry, with a round-up of suitable vegetables and suggested varieties. It grates, incidentally, to see the abbreviation "veggies", meaning vegetarians, not vegetables.
Then comes a fruit section, with small types predominating, a herbs and flowers chapter, container growing, composting and organic options.
An attractive book, thanks to Gil Hanly's beautiful photographs, with some interesting material but this soft-cover volume is not essential to a gardener's library.
