Gardening with Antique Plants

Antique plants have a character and beauty that modern hybrids cannot equal.

The exquisite streaked and flamed tulips of the 17th century bring a charm to the cottage garden that is not found in their modern equivalents, and a medieval apple like "Court Plat Pendu" has far more resonance in the kitchen garden, and on the table, than the bland fruits of today. Antique plant expert David Stuart selects the very best varieties for the contemporary garden, including original species introduced from the wild or plants that were bred over a hundred years ago.

He suggests plants for a wide range of gardens, including perennials for the cottage garden; woodland bulbs and meadow plants for the wildflower garden; plants to clip and train for the topiary garden; shrub and climbing roses for the rose garden; and fruit, vegetables and herbs for the kitchen garden. Each chapter contains a visual catalogue of antique varieties, accompanied by the stories of how the plants were introduced or bred by the early "florists", and imaginative ideas for combining them with other antique varieties.

Case studies show how they can be used successfully in to day's gardens.

A set of cultivation notes provides practical guidance on growing the main species featured, keyed into a list of specialist nurseries and mail-order suppliers.