Learn all about common weeds and how they affect your garden to make informed decisions about the plants you want in your patch—and how to manage those that you don’t. Figuring out which weed is which can be tricky for new and seasoned gardeners alike. In this book, garden expert Guy Barter lifts the lid on how weeds grow and in what conditions. Discover each weed’s benefit to wildlife, biodiversity, and its role in the environment—plus whether it has ornamental, herbal, or edible properties that you might want to make the most of.

This unique identification guide covers 40 weeds commonly found in gardens in Europe and North America. Alongside well-known weeds such as nettles, dock, dandelions, and bindweed, you’ll find hawksbeard, pearlwort, ivy-leaved speedwell, and pennycress.

Detailed photographs of each element of the plant, from roots to leaves, will give readers the tools to recognize weeds throughout their entire life cycles, from starting out as seedlings before growing into mature flowers.

Learn the best way to manage each weed and curate the perfect plants for your patch.