Since 1945, when it acquired its first garden at Culzean Castle, the National Trust for Scotland has become the country's largest garden owner. Its properties include 35 major gardens together with a further 30 that form part of other properties acquired for their architectural, historical or landscape importance. The gardens are notable for their range and variety, representing the full history of Scottish gardening, from the late medieval at Culross Palace, through the 18th-century picturesque at Culzean Castle and Victorian formality at The House of Duns to 20th-century plant collections at Brodrick and Inverewe. There are also many charming and intimate small gardens associated with notable Trust properties. Francesca Greenoak's scholarly but easily accessible text describes each garden in detail and discusses its design and plantings, its history, setting and historical and cultural connections. The Trust' s policy for the restoration and conservation of each garden are also explained. Full directions for getting there are provided together with information on access and opening times.