Written by an acknowledged expert, this book contains a wealth of information, but what makes it outstanding is the so often the plant descriptions include the personal comments from the author as to the plants' garden worthiness.

It is well presented and the basics about each plant such as size, flower colour, flowering period and more are clearly set out, along with occasionally any special merits indicated by the relevant symbol. Also sometimes included are quotes from other notable gardeners. The introductory chapters on cultivation are helpful and make interesting reading. The main listings of plants are divided into section: firstly Shrubs followed by Climbers and then Bamboos. Also included are various lists under the section Shrubs and Climbers for Special Purposes, over twenty different lists covering amongst other things plants for particular aspects, soil types, or plants with particular attributes such as specific colour foliage, fragrance, or being attractive to bees or resistant to various animal pests. The book also includes a useful bibliography, a list of nurserymen and a hardiness zone map.

The book is illustrated book with a 32 section of colour photographs and another 32 page section of back and white photographs; each page contains about three or four pictures. But this is not a book to buy for its pictures, it is about informed comment, at at that it succeeds 100%. It is always one of the first books I turn in my collection of over 250 gardening books for information on and assessments of shrubs and climbers. ( )