What about the innovators of the gardener's world who have made a real difference to our capacity to convert awkward foundations into glorious plots? This work relates the stories of 50 inventions, innovations and discoveries that have transformed our gardening techniques. Here is Christopher Columbus, explorer of the New World, but less celebrated for his introduction of the wigwam frame for climbing plants. London doctor Nathaniel Ward became an innovator by accident in 1829, beginning a craze for indoor gardening with his 'Wardian' terranarium. Ernest 'Chinese' Wilson braved perilous mountains and devastating avalanches to return to the western world, against all odds, with the beautiful regal lily. From the invention of the wheelbarrow and the waterscrew in the ancient world; via secateurs and flame guns in the Victorian age; to the Gro-Bag and Flymo of modern times, this collection of tales should inspire gardeners everywhere.