Hailing from the world's harshest climates, the iconic edelweiss, vibrant blue forget-me-nots, delicate saxifrages, and stunning gentians are just a few of the exciting species that you will discover in this book. Short detailed descriptions and images reveal the intricate world of more than 400 species and cultivars, providing an informative and practical overview of cultivating alpines whatever the size of your garden or patio. Written for the gardener, enthusiast and horticulturist. AUTHOR: Dr Christopher Grey-Wilson is an acknowledged authority on alpine plants. Formerly a Principal Scientific Officer at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, his studies and plant-hunting expeditions have taken him from the mountains of East Africa to Afghanistan, the Himalayas and Western China. He is the author of more than twenty books and writes regularly for gardening magazines.