The Lake District has a long history of distinguished gardens in many different styles, thanks to its dramatic landscape - lakes and mountains that make unbeatable backdrops - and unique conditions - including reliable moisture - which suit a wide range of plants. This book selects thirty-six gardens (all open to the public) that exemplify this heritage and will delight both readers at home and visitors to the area. Among the gardens are seventeenth-century Levens Hall, renowned for its topiary; Picturesque gardens such as Rydal Hall; woodland and parkland gardens; gardens made by Wordsworth and Ruskin; grand nineteenth-century rhododendron gardens; elaborate gardens designed by or in the style of Windermere-based Thomas Mawson; and contemporary plantsman's gardens. While Val Corbett's truly outstanding photographs capture their beauty, Tim Longville describes the history of each garden and the'philosophy'behind its creation. It presents a different view of one of Britain's most popular tourist destinations: takes readers beyond the lakes and fells to other treasures of the area; superb photography; all the gardens described are open to visitors; and includes each garden owner's choice of favourite plants, with explanations of the plants'virtues and the purposes and situations for which they are suited.