Blooming revolution

Richard Reynolds charts the philosophy and history behind the movement and then gives practical advice on how to garden without permission.

Any book that has photographs of "weeds" growing in the street protected by miniature fences has to be enjoyable and On Guerrilla Gardening has lots to offer in this vein.

Reynolds's own story of illicit horticulture lends a tangible realism to the movement. His gradual development from tending the flowerbeds outside his flat to the riskier operations transforming forlorn roundabouts is inspirational.

But you don't have to tackle an entire derelict factory to be involved - a few daffodils planted next to a bus stop as you go to work will do.

On Guerrilla Gardening is inspirational, not for promises of unobtainable utopia, but for its small aims and minimal revolutionary ideals. Guerilla gardening is primarily about beautifying space and growing food.

Reynolds admits that gardening on someone else's land isn't going to change the world, but he hopes that it will lead to safer and more cohesive communities.

Clare Hilton