The plant is the true star of the garden, and its usage is the central question of garden design. In this standard work, the historiography of gardens, which has focused on art historical aspects for over 100 years, is once again primarily oriented towards the plant and its use. Clemens Alexander Wimmer provides an overview of the history and use of garden plants from the Renaissance to the end of modernity around 1970 for the first time. The author outlines the development of plant varieties characteristic of each era. With a special focus on practical implementation, the use of woody plants, perennials, bulbs, potted plants, and summer flowers in various types of gardens is presented, including considerations on the methods of fruit tree pruning and lawn establishment.