In 2012, while working at the Royal Horticultural Society's library, Fiona Davison unearthed a book of handwritten notes that dated back to 1822, all written by young gardeners in support of their application to be received into the Society's Garden. Among them was an entry from the young Joseph Paxton, who would go on to become one of Britain's best-known gardeners and architects. Illustrated with portraits and botanical art, Davison's history ranges from Chiswick to Bolivia, uncovering tales of fraud, scandal and madness—and, of course, a large number of fabulous plants and gardens.