Synopsis This is a sincere efforts to record the major ornamental plants raised in gardens and landscapes of today. The main classes of plants are described in the introductory chapter. The subsequent chapters list the plants in the order of their habitat. The information includes scientific name, common name and the family to which the belong, a brief description and ornamental features.

A comprehensive account of trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers, creepers and taxonomic groups that share characteristics such as bulbous plants, cacti, succulents, bromeliads, ferns, and their allies, grasses, bamboos, sedges as well as ornamental water garden plants are given.

Flowering and foliage of gardens of the tropics and subtropics and the popular deciduous trees and coniferous trees of the temperate zone are dealt separately. Among shrubs, dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous flowering and foliage shrubs as well as temperate region species suited for the hilly regions of India are included.

Importance has been given to annual and perennial herbs grown in tropical and temperate regions. Climbers and creepers popularly grown in tropical gardens are listed. Among specialized plant groups, they are more commonly grown plants and those with outstanding ornamental features are selected. A brief account of planting and tips on their care and management are given.

The book includes around 250 colour photographs and an index of the scientific names and families.

The author has prepared this volume for the enlightened and keen enthusia to serve as guide for identifying garden plants and for selecting ornamentals to suit different locations under varied climatic conditions.