Book excerpt: His work has long been recognised for its innovation and his reputation for clashes with the so-called gardening 'establishment' are famous. He has won many accolades including Silver Gilt at Chelsea Flower Show, however, arguably his biggest achievement was to popularize gardening through the medium of television and move it away from the exclusive and stultifying atmosphere of a private club. This is Diarmuid's characteristically open and honest account of his chaotic, inspired and infuriating (to himself and others) road to success.