The versatility and beauty of hostas makes them one of the most popular and rewarding foliage plants. Whether you use larger hostas to create a stately summer border or dwarf varieties to enliven a rocky or aquatic environment, they are reliable, attractive and low maintenance. The book divides into three sections. There is an introduction to hostas - including their origins and design ideas for hostas in the garden. This is followed by a plant catalogue, with a guide to over 40 varieties with botanical descriptions, origins and planting ideas. Finally, there is a growers' guide covering everything from buying and planting to pest control and a step-by-step guide to flower arranging.

Andrew Mijolajski is a highly respected gardening writer who has edited a number of publications, including the Royal Horticultural Society of Gardeners' Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers and the Encyclopedia of Gardening. He works as a freelance writer and gardens in Northamptonshire, England. The consultant, Diana Grenfell is a respected author and international lecturer. She has contributed to many journals and is co-author of Hosta: The Flowering Foliage Plant.