What is Britain's greatest contribution to world culture? Ambra Edwards suggests it is the garden. It is an art form we have made peculiarly our own, and which we have been exporting to the rest of the world for the last three centuries. It is also an important economic contributor. Sixty per cent of National Trust members say they join up first and foremost to enjoy the gardens, while Britain's gardens bring in visitors from all over the world. Gardens are hugely important to us. Yet by their very nature they are mutable. What makes them (and keeps them) special is the input of the people who look after them. These are the head gardeners. This book explores the lives, vision and achievements of fourteen very special head gardeners, and examines the many and various roles of the head gardener today - project manager, conservationis, artist, designer, engineer, historian, scientific investigator, social worker, PR. Featured gardeners are Beatrice Krehl, Waltham Place; Fergus Garrett, Great Dixter; Troy Scott Smith (pictured on front cover), Sissinghurst; Paul Pulford, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Mick Evans, Packwood House; Andrew Woodall, Broughton Grange; Ned Price, The Weir, Hereford; Alasdair Clarke, Portrack; Lucille Savin, Merton College, Oxford; Mike Walker, Trentham; Jim Buckland and Sarah Wain, West Dean; Carol Sales, Headley Court; Martin Ogle, Lowther Castle