Be reminded of the pleasures of simply being outdoors. An amusing book that may prompt you to reassess how you use your outdoor space. All the other stuff that's associated with gardening - the part it has played in our history, its extraordinary connections to other parts of the world, the remarkable and sometimes wayward personalities of its practitioners, even its economics - have always seemed to me to offer an inexhustible treasure trove of fascinating material. It's this cornucopia of delights that Philippa Lewis has mined so rewardingly in EYCDITGWAG, as we'll call it for the sake of brevity. Richly illustrated and packed with extracts from letters, diaries and novels, EYCDITGWAG looks at gardens as places for escape and inspiration, fresh air and exercise, fire and water, sun and shade, eating, drinking and smoking, love, children, games, parties, birds and beasts, birds and beasts - such as the bizarre menagerie that Dante Gabriel Rossetti maintained in his back garden, which included two wombats, a marmot and an armadillo. And if that's not more interesting that when to plant your onions, I don't know what is. Christopher Stocks A book that can be dipped into or read in one sitting, but in either case it will furnish you with stories and insights both to amuse and instruct. This chic, well-produced little tome is a kind of anthology about having fun in gardens - everythingfrom firework displays to picnics to ball games.

It will be an entertaining and original addition to any gardener's library. This is a book that can be dipped into or read in one sitting, but in either case it will furnish you with stories and insights both to amuse and instruct. A delight. Has chapters on how to use the garden for parties and performances, as a place for children, for exercise (what!), for birds and beasts as well as for eating and drinking, and - heavens! - smoking. This amusing and amusingly illustrated, book revels in variety and eccentricity. As light-hearted as the title sounds - this is a book to dip in and out of: the perfect present for those who prefer the hammock to the spade. Another great gift - a fun and fascinating retro-styled book that looks at gardens as places for escape and inspiration, fresh air and exercise, animal-keeping, eating, drinking, smoking and even love-making. Philippa Lewis chose to explore the weird and wonderful things that happen when the gardening is done (or not done, as the case maybe).

The result of her research is an entertaining and informative book. An ingenious and entertaining read, spanning the centuries and the (English) social classes. The knowledge is lighly worn and there is masses of information, a bit like Schott's Miscelleny, but better, because you can enjoy it in an old-fashioned way, as a good read, while absorbing facts to amuse your friends. What might be the most original garden book of the year - a diverting look at the many roles of the garden, divorced from labour with spade or hoe. Any gardener would be delighted to be given this anthology of information and quotation on the theme of leisure, games, romance, pets, parties and just generally lounging about in gardens. A delicious overview of eccentric behaviour - such as enthusiasts for outdoor eating. Many well chosen illustrations enhance the pleasure of this seemingly light yet richly informative book. A highly entertaining and original book, quirkily designed to match the eccentric but very informative contents.

Provides an insight into what gardens mean to each and every one of us fortunate enough to have access to one. A delightful little book.