Looking for a good book to a) identify plants and b) act as an idiot's guide to gardening

[NoseyNooNoo]

We've bought a house with a mature but neglected garden. I don't know what the plants are, if I did I wouldn't know what to do with them and don't know how to plan a garden.

Is there a book that would help an idiot beginner like me?

There's a great book called 'Old Garden, New Gardener' that's meant for exactly your situation.

It's also a good idea just to wander down to the library and see what they have in, get a few books out, and see what you find helpful.

I shall take a look on Amazon - thanks!

Er, use the net and don't bother buying a book?

Also, its worth doing nothing to the garden for a year until you've seen what comes up at different times of year.