Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Find out more about the most popular flowers around by reading the stories that made them what they are. Written by plant expert Advolly Richmond. Flowers. We all love to take in these beautiful blooms that fill our yards, homes, and parks with color. In this decorative gift book, Gardeners' World's Advolly Richmond reels off interesting facts about the most popular flowers today. She explores where these flowers came from, how they got their names, and most curiously, why some flowers stay in fashion, while others are much less cool.
From the agapanthus, which was brought to the UK by King William III, to the pansy's captivating connection to the underground world of 1930s drag queens, learn about the diverse people who shaped how we garden today. With charming artwork that depicts the plant and the story it tells, this is ideal as a gift, garden room table book, or simply just to engage with nature by learning about gorgeous flowers.
Packed with fascinating stories about top floral favorites, including:
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- Hollyhock
- Sweet pea
- Absalon tulip
- Cyclamen daffodil
- American wisteria
- Jasmine tobacco
- Lily of the valley
- Tawny daylily
- Periwinkle
- Snowdrop
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Become rooted to your outdoor space by learning more about the culture that has shaped it. It's a wonderful way to get closer acquainted with nature, led by the wisdom of Advolly Richmond. With artwork from botanical illustrator Sarah Jane Humphrey.
Synopsis
Garden and social historian Advolly Richmond (of Gardener's World) unravels the surprising histories of 60 flowers that shape our gardens. Have you ever wondered where your favorite garden flowers came from? Where their names derived? Or why some cultivars go in and out of favor? Every flower in your herbaceous border has a story, and in this book Advolly Richmond takes you on a tour of the most intriguing, surprising and enriching ones.
Tales of exploration, everlasting love and bravery bring these beautiful flowers to life. Advolly has dug down to uncover the royalty, scholars, pioneers, and a smuggler or two that have all played a part in discovering and cultivating some of our favorite species. From the lavish and exotic bougainvillea, found by an 18th century female botanist in disguise to the humble but majestic snowdrop casting a spell and causing a frenzy. These plants have played pivotal roles in our societies, from boom to bust economies, promises of riches, and making fashion statements. These unassuming blooms hold treasure troves of stories.
With specially commissioned artworks from award-winning botanical illustrator Sarah Jane Humphrey, which sumptuously bring each flower to life - this is a beautiful compendium for every garden lover.