This book is designed for quick and easy plant selection. I use it when walking around the garden with clients to get an understanding of the types of plants they like and when I need a visual reference to show them what I am talking about when I speak in Latin.

We often know we need some type of low growing plant (as an example) in a certain spot but are not sure which one will grow well or suit the space. With this book, you turn to the groundcover section and find a plant you like the look of that will suit your garden bed conditions i.e., full sun with moist soil.

I have chosen a mix of native and exotic plants that we can readily purchase in New Zealand. Plants that are hardy, feed or provide habitat to our insect and winged friends, that look spectacular and work with different garden styles.

On the next page you will see the key used for each plant icon, this will tell you all about the plant i.e., if a plant is native, deciduous, what size and shape it grows to and much more.

My goal is that you can use the plants in this book as you would use paints when painting a picture, the garden is your canvas. We are so lucky in New Zealand to have such rare, varied and beautiful flora to play with.