For some the perfect country garden is a tangle of hollyhocks and roses; for others a neat potager of colourful vegetables and herbs. It has represented a simpler way of life, a place where the frenetic pace of urban living gives way to the rhythms of the season. Interweaving historical anecdotes with inspirational ideas, this book looks at the many elements that give the rural garden its character. Sunniva Harte shows how walls, paths, gates and furniture that harmonize with the surrounding landscape or are overrun by climbing plants play a vital role in creating mood and atmosphere. She discusses the best plants for rural plots, and how they can often be left to self-seed to spectacular effect, as well as the pleasures of keeping bees, ducks and other livestock. Ideas for decoration, such as turning seakale pots, old sinks, even garden tools, into ornament displays, and edging vegetable plots with glazed tiles demonstrate how to turn the garden into a place to relax and enjoy.