First brought to Europe and America in the 18th century, the brightly coloured geranium - or, more correctly, the pelargonium - has been an enduringly popular plant. In this book, the author combines her knowledge of gardening, flower-arranging, cookery, folklore and horticultural history, to create a study of this much-loved family of plants. The book includes details of the origins and natural history of the geranium, and practical tips on cultivation, planning a garden or conservatory, choosing the most suitable geraniums for an appealing display, and how to care for them. There are ideas for arranging and drying the flowers and leaves, and recipes for using the scented-leaved varieties in cooking and cosmetics.