Why do gardens look the way they do? David Stuart turns garden history upside down and argues that it is the plants themselves that drive the evolution of the modern garden. Elements such as the herbaceous border, the rockery and the rose garden were created not by garden designers but by ordinary gardeners inspired to find places for exciting new plants from around the world. In this book, the author reveals the hidden stories behind everyday plants. He describes their introduction to Europe and America, the adventures and bitter rivalry of budding collectors and botanists, and the spread of the plants" popularity, paying particular attention to the way gardens have been reshaped and adapted to accommodate plants and show them off.