A large part of everyday life in classical antiquity took place in the everpresent garden. A summary of land use in Pompeii show that buildings occupy 64.7% of the excavated area, gardens and cultivated land, 17.7%, and streets and fora, 17.7%. Over 1/3 of the city was open space. The gardens differed greatly in size, design, function, and plantings, and also with respect to the role of water, sculpture, paintings, and garden furniture. Gardens played a role now better elucidated in restaurants, hotels, schools, and various types of shops. Many public buildings, such as temples, baths, theaters, and palaestras had gardens. Tomb gardens illustrate still another aspect of Roman life. A study of large vegetable gardens, orchards, vineyards, and commercial flower gardens complete this research, contributing to a better understanding of the ancient world. Laboratory analyses of plant materials were carried out by scanning electron microscopy by various specialists. -- AATA