George Plumptre is an author, journalist, and lecturer, acknowledged as an international authority on gardens and gardening. A former gardening correspondent for the Times, he has been Chief Executive of the National Gardens Scheme since 2010. He has lectured on a wide range of garden subjects in Britain, the USA, and South Africa, and has contributed articles to such publications as Country Life, Homes & Gardens, the Daily Telegraph, Architectural Digest (USA) and Conde Nast House & Garden (South Africa). George's gardening titles include Collins Book of British Gardens, The Latest Country Gardens, Garden Ornament, The Garden Makers, Great Gardens, Great Designers, Classic Planting and Royal Gardens of Europe.