In 'Gardens of the National Trust' Stephen Lacey paints a vivid picture of individual Trust gardens through historical and horticultural perspectives.

The National Trust cares for the largest and most important collection of gardens and cultivated plants in the world. Here Lacey gives his personal take, describing the present state of each and placing it firmly within the context of gardening history in Britain.

All the major periods are represented, from a 1640 design knot garden at Moseley Old Hall in Staffordshire to the famous plantsmen's gardens of the last century, such as Nymans in Sussex, Sissinghurst in Kent and Hidcote in Gloucestershire.

Each garden has an individual style that has been developed over the years with the expert eye of the Trust Head Gardeners.

For the first time, in this updated and revised edition, they present their estates to the reader, providing an illuminating showcase to the grounds they nurture, discussing the challenges they face keeping their gardens fresh and modern.

Recently purchased properties such as Red House at Bexleyheath, London and Greenway in Devon are featured.

Superb photography from the National Trust provides a stunning book to treasure and enjoy.

'Gardens of the National Trust' is available from National Trust shops and selected book stores now. You can order your copy online from Amazon; we will benefit from every sale.

About the author

Stephen Lacey is one of Britain's best-known garden writers.

Stephen is a long-standing columnist and feature writer for The Daily Telegraph and for 10 years was a regular presenter on BBC Television's 'Gardeners' World'.