SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: "This is a great stimulant to the imagination, taking us on a journey through history, relating traditional designs to effects achieved in today's gardens, emphasizing the close relationship between planting and ornament This splendidly illustrated book should be imbibed and enjoyed at leisure."

COUNTRY LIFE: "The ambience of countless gardens sings out from the pages of this book Michael Balston, whom I regard as one of our most accomplished garden designers today, has used his trained eyes, or rather the camera's eye, to focus on all manner of embellishments that contribute to the character in gardens, mostly in Britain but worldwide."

NEW YORK TIMES: "The pictures are wonderful. The book is nicely arranged. Mr Balston is precise and literate. As a writer he gives the impression of a man who enjoys his work."