Acknowledgements

Generous relatives, friends and colleagues have encouraged and inspired me to write this book. I am indebted to all of them (and any mistakes you may find are entirely mine):

My friend and bee mentor, Toady, who introduced me to his beloved bees. He and they will always have a particular place in my life. Giles Lewis and Nikki Read of Spring Hill Publishing – I always marvel at their faith in me.

And, most importantly, my family – Georg, Becca and James (and, of course, Susie). How could the garden of my life be so well designed and full of beautiful flowers, if not for them?

I would also like to say thank you to Tricia Brown of the Garden Studio, who enables me to keep my hand in – often in the soil, literally! – and who allowed me to take photographs of her plants; and to John Everiss of Bezza Nurseries, who allowed me to take photographs of his superb RHS Gold Medal garden, some of which are included in this book.