Book excerpt: Full of practical advice and time-saving tips, Alan Titchmarshs Complete Book of Gardening is a comprehensive manual which will meet all your gardening needs. Aimed at those with little time on their hands, Alan offers advice on everything from the initial planning stages and establishing the shape of a garden, to more complicated projects and labour-saving techniques. Sections include: The Basics - vital tools, improving the soil, creating features and planting a lawn. The Plants - A-Z directories of trees, shrubs, alpine plants, roses, climbers, flowers. Planting Styles - plants for shade, houseplants, container gardening, creating a scented garden. The Gardening Calendar - season by season tasks. Easy to use and packed with invaluable information, Alan Titchmarshs Complete Book of Gardening is the ultimate garden reference book.