The publication of Gardeners on the Go: London has, unfortunately, been delayed and is now scheduled for late-summer, 2000. Stephanie has been compiling gardening information, hotspots, and little-known "finds" on her trips to England for many years. As the idea for this book moved to "the front burner" she has made several additional trips with an eye toward planning the details and best of the best for the visiting gardening enthusiast. Stephanie has been booked for a number of slide presentations/lectures on "The Gardener's London" and these have generated lots of anticipatory enthusiasm for the new book—and a little frustration from people who are heading for London and had hoped to have the book in hand! In order to help people who are planning trips to London prior to the aniticipated publication date of the book, Stephanie has compiled (and we HERE publish—Ah, the wonders of the Internet!) some advance information which we hope will help people in their planning. Meanwhile, read on to see what the book itself will cover!

Many visitors to London, including a great many from the United Kingdom itself, choose not to use a car while in the city. The excellent public transportation systems of London make this very feasible and in many respects preferable to dealing with parking problems, traffic, etc. Gardeners on the Go: London, unlike its Seattle counterpart, will be geared toward the visitor without a car. So here is a preview sampling of what you can expect to find in Stephanie Feeney's latest!

SUNDAY IN LONDON
Sundays in a city you don't know well can be frustrating. What's on, what's open and when? Here we visit a lively street market brimming with colorful flowers and plants (and vendors who are delightfully colorful in their own right!); then take in a near-by museum dedicated to historic, period rooms and furnishings with a new corresponding series of gardens reflecting the eras as well!

ROYAL GARDENS OF LONDON
We have devised a comfortable day trip that takes you to three of London's beautiful major green spaces providing you with insights into their historic pasts and present importance. A look behind the grand scale of these gardens reveals enticing pockets—a Sunken Garden viewable through apertures in a massive hedge; a Nash-designed residence with lovely surrounding gardens tucked off the beaten path, etc. Needless to say, here's a great opportunity for a quiet picnic, and we give you a couple of great places to put your fixings together.

BOOK and MAP LOVER'S LONDON
Most gardeners seem to have a passion for books that almost rivals their penchant for plants. We'll lead you to some very interesting shops large and small for new, used and rare books. While North American gardeners are treated to a wonderful selection of gardening books from across the pond, there are many we do not see. As for maps, you'll be in heaven with a vast selection on all scales, new and historic, covering London and the entire UK.

HAMPSTEAD EXPLORATION
This is one of London's most charming areas, not only for it's handsome architecture and feel of a small, quaint village, but for the experience of walking out on the expanse of heath high above the skyline of urban London beyond. Explore a small garden shop on a charming cobblestoned passageway, and packed with glorious treasures; visit an elegant walled garden (where with proper timing you can spend an enjoyable evening listening to classical music); and explore a newly restored pergola that extends hundreds of feet above lush gardens and spellbinding views.

MUSEUMS / RAINY DAY LONDON
Beyond the British Museum (certainly not to be missed, but...), come meander through a small museum dedicated to garden history, then poke around the small formal garden and (open one day a week) another delightful garden near-by that many people miss seeing!

A WALK THROUGH CHELSEA
Take a leisurely walk through the back streets of one of London's most celebrated neighborhoods. You'll start with a courtyard garden breakfast tucked within a favorite Sloane Ranger's shop (of Diana fame) and pass an eclectic, netted vertical garden that features spirited birds chirping away, a small water feature, vigorous vines, a resident hedgehog, and flowers year-round. Where else might you find extraordinary cake shop where you might spy a formal English garden embellishing one of the creations? Shop a large, well stock garden centre and then press on to the famed Chelsea Physic Garden.

POCKET GARDENS OF THE CITY
The square mile that surrounds St. Paul's Cathedral is called The City of London. Here a miraculous commitment has been made—to develop some form of garden or planting in view from essentially any place you might be standing within the area! A number of bombed out churches from WWII and some remnants of ancient buildings have been salvaged as sites to stage these gardens. There are about 30 sites from which to assemble a fascinating walk.

A POT POURRI OF LONDON GARDEN SHOPS
Here we tour a collection of shops that specialize in ornament for the garden. Among these you'll find the specialists in selections of architectural salvage, sopme centuries old, suitable for the garden, greenhouse and conservatory.

THE THREE BIG FLOWER SHOWS
Have you lusted for the chance to attend the Chelsea, Hampton Court or RHS Great Autumn Shows? We offer our descriptions, assessment and personal advice on each. These shows draw crowds from around the world and there are definite tricks to getting the most out of each.

FIVE FABULOUS DAYTRIP FORAYS (trips outside London without having to rent a car)

In addition to detailed itineraries of some of our favorite daytrips in and around London, you can also expect to advice on:

LODGING: Finding a place to stay in London that will welcome you as a fellow gardener

RESTAURANTS: Good food along the way—from the unspoilt Pub to the best examples of the British culinary renaissance.

TRAVEL TIPS: Currency exchange, public transportation, using the telephone, packing for the trip, maps, etc

WHO'S WHO: A "glossary" of historical and contemporary names from London's world of horticulture. A who's who on radio, television and in print.

ORGANIZATIONS: Tips on making the decision on whether to join the RHS, Hardy Plant Society, National Trust (Royal Oak Foundation), Chelsea Physic Garden, etc. Can you save money and broaden your opportunities at the same time?

SEASONAL PROFILE OF DESTINATIONS: That age-old question – when is "The best" time of year to visit (a discussion, not an answer!)

GOOD READS: Preparing for the trip with literary works—beyond the travel guide.

TOUR COMPANIES: Who to contact if you are interested in an escorted garden-related tour – be it around London, outside of the city for a day trip, or longer.

CYBER-RESEARCH: Web addresses that help plan the trip.