The good gardens guide 2006

The "Good Gardens Guide" is the essential independent reference book for all garden visitors and enthusiasts.

Updated every year, it selects only gardens of real merit, vividly describing their main characteristics and special qualities.

There is a special focus on Britain's historic gardens including an essay by David Jacques and photographs by Andrew Lawson.

It has detailed information on opening times, entrance charges (if any), plants for sale, travel, parking, disability access, and refreshments.

It includes route maps locating each garden in the guide county by county and region by region.

There are symbols clearly detailing: open season, refreshments, picnicking, toilets, wheelchair access, shop, nursery, plants for sale, events, dogs permitted, a day out with children, etc.

It is a gazetteer of garden terms including arboretum, crinkle-crankle and ha-ha (with classic examples around the country).

The two-star grading system identifies the most exceptional gardens.

This guide has a directory of websites for the gardens.