Since its earliest days, the art and science of gardening has been continually transformed and enhanced by great gardeners - men and women whose passion for gardening has driven them to improve and innovate, to overcome challenges and experiment with new ideas. These gardeners have provided inspiration for future generations, as have their gardens, which attract millions of visitors every year. Lessons from Great Gardeners profiles forty of these remarkable figures and explores how their work can be used to inspire and instruct gardeners of all levels and abilities. From the greats of yesteryear to the best modern-day practitioners, the gardeners are drawn from throughout history and from around the world - including Australia's own Jeremy Francis and New Zealand's Bev McConnell. The stories of their life and work are revealed, along with practical hints and tips that unlock the secrets gained from their long years of trial and error. Packed with botanical illustrations of their signature plants, the book also includes stunning photographs of twelve of the world's most iconic gardens, from Jardin Majorelle in Morocco to Sissinghurst in Kent. This is a journey through the world of gardening past and present, and a beautifully presented source of inspiration and ideas for all gardens, great and small.