Although Miss Read's name is prominent on the cover, the much-loved author of tales focusing on English village schoolteachers and village life is missing. She merely wrote the introduction. I think the publisher used her name to sell a rather boring book of mediocre photos. The gardens aren't even reminiscent of gardens in Miss Read's fictional villages. Nor are they adaptable to much of U.S. (which isn't the fault of the authors, since they weren't writing for the U.S.) I was bored in 5 minutes and gave the book to a charity, where I hope it finds a happier home. Many better books offer much better inspiration and more personality.