Have you ever wondered where your favourite garden flowers came from? Where their names are derived from? Or why some cultivars go in and out of favour?
A Short History of Flowers takes you on a tour of the most intriguing, surprising and enriching story of garden plants. Tales of exploration, everlasting love and bravery bring these beautiful flowers to life.
Author Advolly Richmond presenter on the popular BBC TV series Gardener’s World, unravels the surprising histories of 60 flowers that shape our gardens. She digs 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 favourite 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. Advolly brings alive the people who introduced and cultivated some of our favourite plants and shares the juicy tales that made some flowers so well known.
A Short History of Flowers is packed with remarkable stories of exploration, heartbreak, fashion and ambition all brought to life with intricate artworks from botanical illustrator and Royal Horticultural Society Gold Medal Award winner, Sarah Jane Humphrey. This beautiful book is the perfect gift for every plant and garden lover.
- A SHORT HISTORY OF FLOWERS By Advolly Richmond and illustrated by Sarah Jane Humphrey
Published: March 2024 | Frances Lincoln | £16.99 | Available in hardback and ebook