This work describes thousands of species of ornamental shrubs, their hybrids and cultivars in alphabetical order. Bamboos and climbers are also included. The emphasis is on the use of shrubs in the garden and the author's Line of Facts provides advice on key points at a glance, giving size, whether evergreen or deciduous, scent, colour of flower, flowering season, autumn colour and propagation for each plant, together with a short description of its general character.;In introductory chapters Graham Stuart Thomas urges gardeners to consider not only practical matters but also the ethos of the place when choosing plants. He lists shrubs for special purposes, such as damp soils, shade clay and hedging, as well as for the colour of bark or leaves.

Will inspire all kinds of gardeners from the greenest novice to the expert. Emma Tenant. -- The Spectator [Graham Stuart Thomas] ... has been turning out books luminous with opinion, humour, and consumate plantsmanship. -- Horticulture Destined to become a standard work. Anthony Huxley. -- The Garden

Graham Stuart Thomas is one of the sixty-three holders of the Victoria Medal for Honour. He has been awarded the Veitch Memorial Medal by the Royal Horticultural Society as well as their Gold Medal for his paintings and drawings, and the Dean of Hole Medal by the National Rose Society. In 1975 he was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his work over three decades supervising the restoration of National Trust Gardens.