Trees and shrubs are the framework of every garden, no matter how small. Today, the amateur gardener can choose from a range of plants from all parts of the world, so diverse that even the most skilful need advice on the beautiful and rewarding trees and shrubs now available from nurseries. Stephan Ryan, regarded as one of Australia's experts on rare plants, has created a beautiful and inspiring A-Z description of one hundred temperate-climate trees and shrubs that would be conversation pieces in any garden. They are all rare, without being difficult to grow, and almost all, including some Australian native plants, have received awards from the Royal Horticultural Society, London. Most of them have been selected because they perform well throughout the year -- particularly important in small gardens. Many can also be grown in containers.