Inspired by the good weather we’ve had over the past few days in the south of England, and as a break from tending my own garden, here are five books I’ve read that involve creating gardens or plant collecting. Links from each title will take you to my review or the book description on Goodreads.
Earthly Joys by Philippa Gregory – Historical novel about John Tradescant who rose from humble beginnings to become gardener to Sir Robert Cecil, George Villiers and latterly King Charles I, and travelled the world collecting new plants.
Where the Hornbeam Grows by Beth Lynch – Memoir charting the author’s personal experience of being ‘uprooted’ from her accustomed habitat and ‘transplanted’ somewhere new and entirely alien – in this case, Switzerland.
A Fenland Garden by Francis Pryor – The story of transforming an area of neglected farmland into a garden in a complex and fragile English landscape – the Fens of southern Lincolnshire.
The Fair Botanists by Sara Sheridan – Set in 1822, excitement has gripped the city of Edinburgh as, in the newly-installed Botanic Garden, an Agave Americana plant looks set to flower – an event that only occurs once every few decades.
The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert – Epic historical novel following the fortunes of the fictional Alma Whittaker who becomes a gifted botanist and renowned bryologist (someone who studies moss and liverworts) and travels the world in search of new species.
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