Gardening is one of the most popular leisure activities today and most people take it for granted that suitable plants, equipment, and information are easily available. This was not always the case. Anne Wilkinson's engaging book recreates the world of amateur Victorian gardeners--those who had no idea how to start gardening, and no information to help them. In the 1860s gardening was mainly the preserve of professionals who worked on large estates. But a new breed of gardeners as emerging--ordinary householders. Their gardens range from cottage and rectory gardens to those found behind terraced houses in towns. With no help from the professionals--who refused to believe that gardens in towns were a practical possibility--those innovators laid down the foundations for modern amateur gardening as it is today. This book explores their journey to create their own piece of England's "green and pleasant land," richly illustrated by contemporary magazines and images.

Anne Wilkinson has a PhD in garden history. She has lectured on the subject and written academic papers for publications including Garden History and Hackney History.