As readers of The Luberon Garden will know, Alex Dingwall-Main has come across some very odd garden desires in his time. But none so odd as the Frenchman who asked Alex to find him the oldest olive tree in existence and fetch it to the South of France to take pride of place in his exquisite garden. This charming, witty and evocative piece of horticultural travel writing takes us from the olive groves of Provence, to the hillsides of Greece, from farms in Spain, to a back yard in Italy. Along the way our intrepid garden designer meets a tree that is 3,000 years old; a farmer who won't sell his tree unless he can sell the 2,000 acre farm that surrounds it; an olive tree that saved a marriage and a village that believes a drop of rain touched by the leaves of the ancient 'Angel Olive' will cure anything. A wonderfully lyrical book with an extraordinary mission.

'The rollicking adventures of an English garden designer in Provence' Independent 'Escapist reading-magic' The TimesAlex Dingwall-Main left London with his wife and dog nine years ago for the Luberon region of the South of France. A landscape gardener of international renown he was in search of a challenge - a new climate, a new way of gardening and a new way of life.

This is his account of gardening his way round Provence, and in particular, of attempting to restore the secret garden of M-nerbes. Situated high on the plains of the Luberon region, M-nerbes is a famously beautiful village - but this garden had long been forgotten. It trailed down over seven levels, thick with brambles and hornets' nests, almond blossom and ancient fig trees. It was an archetypal Proven-al garden and for one whole year it dominated Alex Dingwall-Main's life. From distant dreams came growth and disasters, but ultimately, the garden is reclaimed. From truffle dealers to local mayors, film star neighbours to JCB drivers and olive-tree farmers, Alex takes us on a guided tour of an extraordinary area.

Published in hardback with serialisation in The Times and major review and feature coverage, this is the enticing paperback edition of a beautifully written book on plants, people and life. Evocative and inspiring, The Luberon Garden will take you on an unforgettable journey.