This volume aims to encourage readers to appreciate the challenges and opportunities that warm, dry climates present. It looks back in time at the great gardens of Spain, India and Italy, and identifies the elements that contributed to their success and their enduring appeal. Drawing ideas and inspiration from contemporary gardens from around the world - from the Mediterranean to California, South Africa to Australia and New Zealand - the book discusses design ideas and landscapeing materials, and offers advice on dealing with difficult sites, using water creatively and wisely, building stone walls and laying paving. Throughout, the book points to a wide variety of plants - for example, agapanthus, aloe, xanthorrea and yucca - that will thrive in these conditions. Trevor Nottle is the author of Growing Old-Fashioned Roses, The Cottage Garden Revived and Old-Fashioned Gardens.