The flower garden is so much more than a beautiful spectacle full of colour and scent. It holds hidden in its grasp a myriad of secrets which not only present its magnificent blooms in a new light but reveal a history as long as human civilization. In fact, there is no aspect of life that does not involve garden flowers in some way. Whether edible or medicinal, deemed lucky or unlucky, and whether native to Britain or brought from lands afar to be bred in a huge number of varieties, every flower chosen for inclusion here will bring the joy of knowledge to the plant lovers, from the favourites of Shakespeare, Van Gogh and William Morris to the flowers that symbolize everything from nations to the deepest emotions. While this is not a practical gardening book it includes for gardeners a selection of less well-known tips for successful growing.