The theme of the garden is too vast to be adequately captured by conventional disciplines. A garden encompasses vegetable, fruit, and ornamental plant cultivation; it involves breeding and variety studies; it is both art and technology; it serves as a social space and a symbol. The garden is a piece of our culture and history. This book narrates the history of gardens from the perspective of the Library of German Horticulture. Since 1822, the largest specialized library for garden literature in Germany has been at the center of events. Its writings, illustrated works, plans, letters, catalogs, individual sheets, and photographs serve as the framework for a richly illustrated portrayal of the 500-year history of European garden culture.