1. The Complete Gardner by Monty Don
The presenter of Gardener's World writing about his own garden in Herefordshire, in which he uses organic principles to produce fabulous results. Great pictures, good advice.
Dorling Kindersley, £15.99 (paperback)
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2. The Expert series by Dr D G Hessayon
Whatever your problem – from pests to patios – Dr Hessayon has the answer, set down in a way that even the most inexperienced gardener will find informative and easy to follow.
Expert, £7.99 (paperback)
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3. The Tiny Garden, Jane McMorland Hunter
Many books aimed at small gardens envisage something of about half an acre. This book is about small-scale gardening, from an author who lives in Fulham and knows about petite plots.
Frances Lincoln, £12.99 (paperback)
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4. RHS Encyclopedia of Perennials by Graham Rice
A fantastic reference book, edited by a garden expert who really knows his asters from his epimedium. A must for anyone who aspires to floriferous borders or billowing blooms.
Dorling Kindersley, £25
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5. Grow Your Own Veg by Carol Klein
The accompanying book to the television series, this is packed with inspiration for would-be kitchen or gourmet gardeners, infused with Ms Klein’s trademark enthusiasm.
Mitchell Beazley, £16.99
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6. Planting Green Roofs by Dunnett & Kingsbury
Green-roof pioneer Nigel Dunnett joins forces with garden writer and designer Noel Kingsbury to produce a must-have volume. Includes latest techniques and case studies.
Timber Press, £25
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7. Jekka’s Complete Herb Book by Jekka McVicar
The queen of the herb garden on everything you want to know about growing parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme and hundreds of other interesting, aromatic things besides.
Kyle Cathie, £25
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8. Down to Earth by Anne Scott-James
A gardening classic, first published in 1971, but still relevant and beguiling. Read it for Ms Scott-James’s comments on garden design and for her self-deprecating wit and literary style.
Bloomsbury, £7.99 (paperback)
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9. Serene Gardens by Yoko Kawaguchi
This is a readable, practical guide to the principles of Japanese garden design philosophy. Includes plant recommendations and wonderful photographs.
New Holland Publishers Ltd, £12.99 (paperback)
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10. Exotic Planting by Christopher Lloyd
One of Britain’s most influential gardeners relates his final horticultural adventure before his death in 2006. Contains contributions by gardening friends, and our own Anna Pavord.
BBC Books, £20
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14 April 2008, Chosen by Victoria Summerley
