Book excerpt: 'I have quite fallen for Adam -- his stylish waistcoat, encyclopaedic knowledge and use for everything -- and constantly find myself thinking "What Would Adam Do?" as I go about my daily gardening business.' Alys Fowler In the 1940s, Adam the Gardener was a national treasure. Each week in the Sunday Express he advised gardeners exactly what to plant and how - from carrots in the fourth week of May (but 'do this after sunset, when there is less chance of trouble from the carrot fly') to lily of the valley in the fourth week of November. Accompanied by wonderful illustrations, Adam's charm and expertise won over thousands. Here, the weekly world of Adam the Gardener has been brought back to life for today's gardener, who will be just as readily captivated by his quiet reliability and peerless knowledge. As well as techniques - pruning and potting, forcing and grafting - and planting instructions for an impressive range of flowers, fruits and vegetables, also learn how to plan a new garden, what gadgets you will need (including an earwig trap) and all about colour harmony in the garden. This is a period gem that will delight and inform enthusiasts of all kinds.