"Described by Harold Nicolson as 'the loveliest small garden in Britain', Hidcote is a jewel in England's horticultural history. Inspired by Arts and Crafts designs, American-born Lawrence Johnston transformed ten acres of Gloucestershire farmland into one of the world's most influential gardens, a complex mixture of hedged 'rooms' and vistas, lavish planting and simpler, informal, even intimate areas. Despite its splendour it remains linked to the surrounding Cotswold landscape. Today it is one of the most popular gardens in the country." "This book is a celebration of the garden's history and present splendour, combining research, Johnston's recently discovered diaries and letters plus 'then' and 'now' photographs showing how the garden developed under Johnston and latterly under the care of the National Trust."--BOOK JACKET.