Overview

The flower garden is so much more than a beautiful spectacle full of colour and scent. It holds hidden in its grasp a myriad of secrets which not only present its magnificent blooms in a new light but reveal a history as long as human civilization. In fact, there is no aspect of life that does not involve garden flowers in some way. In this fascinating book, which deserves a place on the shelf of any gardener or plant lover, are the answers to such intriguing questions as: . How could daffodils be a cure for cancer – and dementia too? . Which flowers that symbolize remembrance were buried with Tutankhamun in his tomb? . How did a passion flower confuse the history of a Renaissance painting of Madonna and Child? . Which flowers did the Romans add to the water to kill their enemies? . What is the record height for a sunflower, and how does its bloom succeed in moving to face the sun from dawn to dusk each day? . How did plant hunters risk their lives to bring us our garden favourites through their daring and persistence? Whether edible or medicinal, deemed lucky or unlucky, and whether native to Britain or brought from lands afar to be bred in a huge number of varieties, every flower chosen for inclusion here will bring the joy of knowledge to the plant lovers, from the favourites of Shakespeare, Van Gogh and William Morris to the flowers that symbolize everything from nations to the deepest emotions. While this is not a practical gardening book it includes for gardeners a selection of less well-known tips for successful growing. AUTHOR: Ruth Binney has been studying plants and gardening for most of her life. She holds a degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University and has been involved in countless publications during her career as an editor. She is the author of many successful natural history and gardening books including Plant Lore and Legend 9781910821107 and Weeds on Trial 9781910821275 She lives in Cardiff.

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9781910821428

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This little hardback is full of intriguing floral trivia. Unashamedly a gift book, author Binney dusts down the archives and discovers fascinating facts about flowers. These include, found at random. how Spanish priests started growing cosmos in the 16th century and that the Primrose League was founded in 1883 to uphold Conservative principles. The book is somewhat akin to the flood of recent gardening almanacks, which show that the internet has not dimmed gardeners' desire to read about their pastime, perhaps while watching the flowers grow or the rain fall. -- Matthew Appleby * Hort Week *

Author Information

Ruth Binney has been studying the natural world for most of her life. She holds a degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University and has been involved in countless publications during her career as an editor. She is the author of many successful natural history and gardening books including Weeds on Trial 9781910821275, Flower Garden Secrets 9781910821428, The English Countryside 9781910821459 and Coasts 9781910821398. She lives in Cardiff.

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