First published in 1731, the ‘Gardner’s Dictionary’ was re-published numerous times, with this example dating to 1768. Philip Miller was the authority of the era on all things botanical, stemming from his role at the famous ‘Chelsea Physic Garden’ where he was the first head gardener, 1722-1770. This had of course been developed by noted physician Sir Hans Sloane on lands he purchased in Chelsea in 1712. In 1722 he gave “The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London” a lease on the already established garden, for £5 per year in perpetuity, which is why it survives until this day. Amongst other achievements, we can say Hans Sloane was the originator of London’s great collections, the Natural History Museum, the British Library, and even the British Museum, as he bequeathed his collection of 71,000 item to the nation on his death in 1753.
      In this book Miller sets out what it takes to grow almost anything in Britain, realizing this needed to mimic the plant’s original habitat. In the volume there are many pages showing how to grow in a green-house, complete with plans and elevations. At the end, you’ll find lists of the plants ‘Suitable for outside in Britain’, or ‘Sheltered’, or ‘Indoors’. All very practical and surprisingly useful even today!