Trees, wildflowers and plants: general interest Books

Book SynopsisFor centuries, English country gentlemen had collected exotic pictures for their saloons and rare books for their libraries. By the end of the seventeenth century, they had begun to collect trees. Within the space of a few years, hundreds of new specimen trees enriched the British landscape, and demand was high for the most splendid imports: maples and tulip trees from the American colonies, cypresses and cedars from Europe and Lebanon, and oriental plane from Greece and Turkey, with its romantic associations with Plato''s Academy.How did these extraordinary trees make their way to the gardens of Britain and Ireland? Who were the scholars and daredevils who combed the new and old worlds in search of green treasure? What crimes did they commit, and what price did they pay to bring the world''s charismatic megaflora to the gardens of home?In this exuberant history, Thomas Pakenham reveals the marvellous tales of adventure, discovery, rivalry, and passion that created the modern British landscape.

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Book SynopsisWould you lick your fingers after picking a Lily of the Valley? Did no-one remember to warn you about fair Fool's Parsley? And where are the haunts of Satan's Boletus and the Destroying Angel? Hiding in the beautiful meadows and woods of Great Britain are particular plants, about which every sensible rambler, parent and picnicker should be properly informed. Let Frederick Gillam be your guide. WOODEN BOOKS are small but packed with information. "Fascinating" FINANCIAL TIMES. "Beautiful" LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS. "Rich and Artful" THE LANCET. "Genuinely mind-expanding" FORTEAN TIMES. "Excellent" NEW SCIENTIST. "Stunning" NEW YORK TIMES. Small books, big ideas.

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Book SynopsisAt Eastgate in rural North Norfolk, Jane Steward is reviving the medlar, an old English fruit which was once Britain?s sweet treat. Her trees are alive with colour for much of the year: white and yellow flowers in the summer, green leaves that turn to gold and russet. Grafted onto quince A rootstock, and helped by local honey bees, these are trees with prolific fruit.Alongside the Nottingham variety of medlars, Jane has established a national culinary collection on her six-acre smallholding. Varieties include Breda , Dutch, Westerveld, Macrocarpa, Royal, Bredase Reus, Flanders Giant, Iranian medlars. Her book on medlars will have over 30 recipes alongside a myriad of information on this forgotten fruit.

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Book Synopsis"Indispensable." -The New York Times Book Review Piet Oudolf's gardens-unique combinations of long-lived perennials and woody plants that are rich in texture and sophisticated in colour-are breath-taking and have deep emotional resonance. With Planting, designers and home gardeners can recreate these plant-rich, beautiful gardens that support biodiversity and nourish the human spirit. An intimate knowledge of plants is essential to the success of modern landscape design, and Planting shares Oudolf's considerable understanding of plant ecology, explaining how plants behave in different situations, what goes on underground, and which species make good neighbors. Extensive plant charts and planting plans will help you choose plants for their structure, colour, and texture. A detailed directory shares details like each plant's life expectancy, the persistence of its seedheads, and its propensity to self-seed.Trade Review'The pictures are superb ( - ) I recommend this book to every thoughtful gardener' (The Financial Times)

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Book SynopsisAn inspirational and beautifully illustrated book that tells the stories of 80 plants from around the globe.In his follow-up to the bestselling Around the World in 80 Trees, Jonathan Drori takes another trip across the globe, bringing to life the science of plants by revealing how their worlds are intricately entwined with our own history, culture and folklore. From the seemingly familiar tomato and dandelion to the eerie mandrake and Spanish 'moss' of Louisiana, each of these stories is full of surprises. Some have a troubling past, while others have ignited human creativity or enabled whole civilizations to flourish. With a colourful cast of characters all brought to life by illustrator Lucille Clerc, this is a botanical journey of beauty and brilliance.'A beautiful celebration of the plants and flowers that surround us and a quiet call to arms for change' The Herald'This charming and beautifully illustrated book takes readers on a voyage of discovery, exploring the many ingenious and surprising uses for plants in modern science and throughout history' Kew Magazine'With beautiful illustrations from Lucille Clerc, this captivating book traverses the globe via plants: nettles in England, mangoes in India and tulips in the Netherlands' Daily MailTrade ReviewThis charming and beautifully illustrated book takes readers on a voyage of discovery, exploring the many ingenious and surprising uses for plants in modern science and throughout history * Kew magazine *Who knew that the milky sap from dandelions is similar to that of rubber trees, so much so that, in the 1930s, 260 square miles of Eastern Europe were dedicated to growing Russian dandelions successfully to produce rubber until the end of the Second World War? Or did you know that Cook pine trees tilt towards the equator? These are only two fascinating facts from a book packed with similar gems -- Tiffany Daneff * Country Life *A fun and fascinating read, combining science, culture, botany and travel writing * Flower Arranger *With beautiful illustrations from Lucille Clerc, this captivating book traverses the globe via plants: nettles in England, mangoes in India and tulips in the Netherlands -- Ciara Dossett * Daily Mail *A trustee of the Eden Project, his knowledge is encyclopaedic, but it is the combination of science and storytelling that makes his book stand out... With Drori's evocative prose and Lucille Clerc's exquisite illustrations, this is a book to treasure -- Juanita Coulson * The Lady *AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 PLANTS by Jonathan Drori is a brilliant and - thanks to Lucille Clerc - a beautiful book. It's an excellent companion to the same author's AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 TREES. Everybody who has the slightest interest in plants - and people - and wonders why we need to conserve botanical biodiversity should read this book -- Nigel Chaffey * Botany.one *The book is lively, entertaining and educational and the author's personal comments and witty asides, often made me laugh out loud. It is a credit to his skill and dedication that every fact-filled sentence is rich in information about each chosen plant, be it ethnobotanical, economic, folklore, myth, history, religion, culinary or etymology - not a word is wasted... Lucille Clerc's astonishingly beautiful, vibrantly coloured illustrations are an absolute delight, summing up the key points about each plant perfectly - you will find humour in these too... It would make a fabulous gift, yet contains enough facts to be of benefit to students of plant sciences, it is also a must have for anyone who guides at a public garden or has an interest in the relationship between plants and people in the past, present and future -- Matthew Biggs * Gardens Illustrated *A beautiful celebration of the plants and flowers that surround us and a quiet call to arms for change * The Herald, Portfolio *With its fascinating blend of the cultural, historic and scientific, Jonathan Drori's AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 TREES led readers on a global tour telling the stories of people and plants. Now, AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 PLANTS (Laurence King £20) reprises the winning formula with a botanical travelogue ranging from the edible - tomato, vanilla, cacao, artichoke - to the religious - myrrh, lotus - and species such as the opium poppy or sugar cane which have dominated whole economies -- Bridget Galton * Ham & High *[Jonathan Drori] comes to this book with a lifetime of experience and a passion for talking about - and encouraging the preservation of - plants, trees, insects and birds. He brings with him a cheerfully wry sense of humour and a wonderful way of explaining to the previously ignorant the golden nuggets of fact, the "did you knows?" that make the book such fun to read -- Jenni Fraser * Jewish Chronicle *Packed with insights, this is a book to treasure * Saga magazine *Beautifully illustrated by Lucille Clerc, the book is crammed with great stories. It will appeal not just to gardeners, but to anyone interested in the natural world and the ingenious means by which our ancestors adapted the plants around them for food, clothing, shelter, recreation and artistry * The Herald *A terrifically opinionated guide to a selection of world plants and their place in culture. Our author travels the globe via plants, like a plantsman Phineas Fogg, from Nettle and Mistletoe here to Saffron crocus and mandrake in Southern Europe to damask rose in South Asia to vanilla in Africa. Each is illustrated with panache by Lucille Clere. It's one to browse, and a source of fun facts. Did you know that nutmeg in excess has hallucinogenic effects? Apparently Malcolm X used nutmeg in jail for a high; it was banned in prisons in the US to avoid misuse. Or that myrrh was used in Biblical times for an antiseptic mouthwash as well as for incense and that the body of Admiral Nelson was preserved in myrrh-infused brandy to bring back to England (which the crew is said to have drunk in his honour)? There's lots like this -- Melanie McDonagh * Evening Standard *Monty Don describes Around the World in 80 Plants as 'A delightful book that informs and charms in equal measure' - a brilliant way to sum up a book written by someone with deep scientific knowledge, rather than where information is simply lifted from websites. As you turn the pages, facts illuminate, titillate and inform. I kept saying to myself 'I didn't know that' and was thrilled by my new knowledge. Jonathan Drori writes with passion, gentle humour and command of the subject... anyone interested in the plant world would find it of great interest. The illustrations by Lucille Clerc completment the worlds beautifully * Flora magazine *If you read extensively on many subjects, then here's another fascinating book to add to your collection - you'll love this one. Not only is it beautifully written and superbly illustrated, but it's also informative and fun. And there's a lot to delve into, depending on your moods. Maybe you'll just want to read up on one of the 80 plants or at other times get stuck into a geographic section. Or perhaps you'll opt for the culinary tips, sometimes the medicinal uses or very often the history. In this, Jonathan Drori has written another remarkable book and distilled fascinating content into each two-page exposé... you'll both learn from and enjoy this colourful introduction to the world of wild plants. * Plant Life magazine *The stories from "the riotous and often bizarre plant world" have the power to "intertwine science with history and culture" and that's exactly what Jonathan Drori does in this world-tour cornucopia of growing things. His scientific knowledge of plants is extensive but he wears it lightly as he writes passionately about intoxicants such as absinthe and cannabis, flavourings such as the misunderstood vanilla, and the imaginative and constant search for aphrodisiacs. If you think you know about the humble potato (Drori's paragraph on our Great Famine is admirably balanced) or tomato or nettle or dandelion, you'll learn still more here, while also learning about exotica such as mandrake and carnivorous plants. The book is beautifully illustrated and a must for anyone interested in the world around them -- Brian Maye * Irish Times *It's fair to say that Jonathan Drori, who has spent his life involved with plants and is now a member of the Council of Ambassadors of WWF and The Woodland Trust, has a real place in his hear for the simple and overlooked... Drori describes plants almost lovingly, allowing space for their beauty and ingenuity. Take this particularly appealing description of the nutmeg plant: 'Girdling the shiny nut is a succulent, lacy layer, an utterly sensual blood-red aril, or seed covering, which is itself surrounded by a fleshy husk.' Such descriptions are complemented throughout by drawings of each plant from illustrator Lucille Clerc; combined, they make for a beautiful book that can easily be dipped in and out of as the fancy takes you -- Katie Burton * Geographical *Structured by continent, this book guides the reader around the world, dipping into the stories of the tiny, the towering, the parasitic and the submarine... Helping to paint the picture of not just what each plant looks like, but how it is used, where it sits in the landscape and how it interacts with wildlife, are Lucille Clerc's beautiful illustrations. From the unfurling leaves of the silver tree fern to the colours and impossible shapes of some unique and strange-looking orchids, these drawings add yet another layer of delight... As with much of the natural world, the more one learns about the individual plant species and the stories that tell of our interactions with them-whether positive or negative-the more intriguing they become. Around the World in 80 Plants makes me want to find out yet more about the plants that are so often overlooked as a green background, or seen merely as scenery to frame the animals, yet are vital for supporting life on Earth. As this book so wonderfully shows, they are more than life-support machines: they provide colour, flavour and magic to our everyday lives, and we need to learn to appreciate them * Oryx *

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Book SynopsisIn The Little Wild Library: Nettle, discover how to make the most of this useful plant, with recipes and makes to try throughout the year. Once you've found your favourite nettle patch, come back as the seasons change and find new things to do with your foraged treasure from edible treats to useful tinctures.

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Book SynopsisThe Complete Language of Flowers is a comprehensive encyclopedia providing the meanings, powers, facts, and folklore for over 1,001 flower species. Along with a beautiful visual depiction, each entry provides the flower’s scientific and common names, characteristics, and historic meanings and powers from mythology, medieval legends, folklore, and flower poetry. For centuries, symbolic flower meanings have fascinated readers, writers, poets, and suddenly smitten couples alike. Extremely popular during the Victorian era, these floriographies flourished and versed the public on the hidden meaning of popular flowers such as: Purple Tulip—Eternal love Amaryllis—Adventurousness; Enthusiasm; Passion Daisy—Beauty and innocence; Cheer; Childlike playfulness Sunflower—Ambition; Constancy; Devotion Together with stunning full-color illustrations and two indexes, one for searching by common flower name and the other organized by meaning, this beautiful reference is a must-have for gardeners, florists, and flower enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to arrange the perfectly bespoken wedding bouquet or to understand what the yellow rose you just received from an admirer means (friendship), this updated floriography is a visual delight. Elegantly designed and beautifully illustrated, the Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia series offers comprehensive, display-worthy references on a range of intriguing topics, including birthday astrology, dream interpretation, techniques for harnessing the power of dreams, and the stories behind signs and symbols.Trade Review“Flower lovers will marvel at S. Theresa Dietz’s The Complete Language of Flowers, an A to Z of flowers and plants listing symbolic meanings, possible powers, folklore and facts.” * BookPage *Table of ContentsIntroduction How to Use This Book A – Z Works Consulted Acknowledgments About the Author Photo Credits Index of Common Flower Names Index of Common Flower Meanings

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Book SynopsisCan you tell a tomato from a grape? A patch of grass from a Christmas tree? Then congratulations – you’re a botanist.  Self-confessed bad birdwatcher Simon Barnes thought he knew nothing about plants. He didn't have anything against them: trees are interesting because birds perch in them; plants are useful because they create habitats, and all birds live in habitats. But while admiring the tenacity of some yellow horned poppies thriving on a shingle beach – a place where it seemed no plant had a hope of surviving – he was struck by a simple yet profound truth. It all begins with plants. In this charming and inspiring book, Barnes takes us on a fascinating journey, from the simple genius of photosynthesis to the complex and bizarre ways that plants reproduce. We consider plants as varied as cabbages and conifers, familiar wildflowers and enigmatic orchids, nefarious parasites and plants that carry deadly poisons – helping us

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Book SynopsisWhen is a marigold not a marigold? Where in Great Britain is a harebell a bluebell? What does a Burdock have to do with velcrose? And what does a dandelion have to do with teeth? In this delightful little book, historian Gerald Ponting reveals the fascinating stories at the heart of many wild flower names. From names made up by Shakespeare to names based on appearance or medicinal properties, prepare to be amused, informed and amazed.Trade ReviewWooden Books are: "Fascinating" FINANCIAL TIMES. "Beautiful" LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS. "Rich and Artful" THE LANCET. "Genuinely mind-expanding" FORTEAN TIMES. "Excellent" NEW SCIENTIST. "Stunning" NEW YORK TIMES. Small books, big ideas.

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Book SynopsisA beautifully illustrated giftable gardening reference book, combining exquisite botanical illustrations with practical self-help projects. Readers can discover more than 200 life-saving plants and 25 home-grown remedies to make themselves.

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Book SynopsisA landmark publication that captures the beautiful richness of every aspect of trees and their importance for science, culture and the future of humankind. Trees feed us, shelter us, inspire us and heal us. In a world facing the destruction of the Amazon rainforest and a pressing climate emergency, the importance of these primeval beings in shaping our future is hard to understate. Generously illustrated and organized according to tree lifecycle from seeds, leaves and form to wood, flowers and fruit this book celebrates the great diversity and beauty of the 60,000 tree species that inhabit our planet. Exquisite details are rendered by surprising photography and infographics: intricate bark and leaf patterns, intertwined ecosystems, colourful flower displays, archaic wooden wheels and timber houses. Integral to science, art and culture, fundamental and fragile, dependent and depended on, the vitality of trees is revealed like never before.Trade Review'Stunningly illustrated and detailed ... a celebration of all things arboreal, from the seeds, leaves, flowers and fruit to the diversity of trees and how they have influenced art, culture and science' - Sunday Times'[Paul Smith] is a dendrologist with wit, passion and an enlightening way of telling a story ... the tree's frankly astonishing essence is generously illustrated and thoughtfully explained ... destined to become a classic and should certainly be part of any family's library' - World of Interiors'This stunningly illustrated book covers all aspects of trees, from seeds and leaves to wood, flowers and fruit, as well as their importance for humanity through the ages. Clear explanatory text by Paul Smith, a leading plant conservationist, balances the finely reproduced photos and graphics' - Financial Times, Books of the Year'Meticulously researched and illustrated ... detailed scientific facts are peppered with fascinating anecdotes' - English Garden'Extensive ... looks at 60,000 tree species across the world revealing fascinating facts' - The Garden'An engaging and beautiful book about all things arboreal' - Garden Answers'This accessible and fascinating overview spans the science of tree life, and more broadly their ecology and natural and social history ... All nine chapters are well illustrated throughout with helpful and insightful narrative, whether you just want to dip into subjects or desire a more concerted read' - Garden News'An engaging, enchantingly illustrated global study by plant ecologist and conservationist Paul Smith' - Nature'Very beautiful' - The Future Forest CompanyTable of ContentsForeword Introduction 1. Seeds 2. Leaves 3. Form 4. Bark 5. Wood 6. Flowers 7. Fruits 8. Symbiosis 9. Trees and Us

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Book SynopsisFollowing the incredible Botanicum, Katie Scott returns with a companion activity book. Bursting with fascinating facts and puzzles, this book offers hours of entertainment to artists and nature lovers. Beautiful and inspiring, the myriad activities in this book challenge the reader to discover something new and use their imagination to draw, decorate and design on every pull-out page.Trade ReviewThe Welcome to the Museum books are, without exception, quite superb. They really get to the heart of what museums are all about, bringing them to life for children. This is the companion book to Botanicum, and it's packed with yet more fascinating facts. The book is also full of puzzles and colouring activities which offer hours of entertainment to artists and nature lovers young and old. Beautiful and inspiring, the myriad activities in this book challenge the reader to discover something new and use their imagination to draw, decorate and design on every pull-out page - I am sitting here longing to get my pens out and to get colouring! Once all the activities are completed, the book will be one to treasure. * Parents in Touch *If you loved Botanicum and who wouldn't, then this from the same team, is definitely for you: it's an activity book par excellence and is billed as 5+. However, as an early years teacher, I've seen 4 year olds do amazingly detailed observational drawings of plants, so I'd bring this down to 4+.This one took me right back to my 'gap year' working as an assistant in the herbarium at Kew where I was awed by the work of the, then resident artist.Back to this book, which has equally stunning illustrations and is probably best used alongside its 'parent' volume. There are pages of flowers and plants to colour; and those who would rather draw have several opportunities: there's a cycad tree with step-by-step visual instructions, ditto a pineapple fruit. Those who require a little guidance can complete algae patterns,draw mirror images of a buttercup half, three half leaves, add stem and foliage to four bulbs, for instance. For more confident drawing enthusiasts there are opportunities to create a cactus; complete a Carboniferous forest; add details to some leaves and create your own leaf , to name just some of the more open ended drawing activities.Spot-the-difference enthusiasts will also be satisfied with the four pages each with ten differences allocated to that activity: this one's truly beautiful. (You can always cheat by looking at the reverse side if you can't find them all.)Should you want to test your botanical knowledge there are pages for that too including There's even a maze, which looks quite forbidding, but I managed to do it - eventually - without cheating.With over 35 activities in all, this superb book offers hours of gently educational pleasure. * Red Reading Hub *'Botanicum' is back and this time Katie Scott & Kathy Willis have produced the most sublime activity book. Bursting with fascinating facts and puzzles, this book offers hours of entertainment to artists and nature lovers, young and old. Featuring a myriad of activities it challenges the reader to discover something new and use their imagination to draw, decorate and design. Like 'Botanicum' this divine celebration of plants features a colourful array of intricate and dazzling illustrations combined with comprehensive botanical knowledge. An absolute joy of an activity book. * Book Lover Jo *Botanicmn is a beautiful activity book, that challenges the leader to draw, colour and design on every pull-out page. Perfect for parents and grandparents and their little ones. * Woman's Weekly *Colouring, drawing, puzzles, facts and astonishing plants... the perfect combination for all budding artists and naturalists! Following last year's publication of the incredible Botanicum, a super-sized book of stunning botanical delights, and the next best thing to stepping inside a real-life exhibition of plants, author Professor Kathy Willis and illustrator Katie Scott return with a beautiful companion activity book. Bursting with fascinating facts and puzzles, this carefully crafted book, published by Big Picture Press in association with Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, offers hours of enjoyment to artists and nature lovers, young and old. The wide variety of activities, including mazes, spot the difference, matching crops to their names, colouring, doodling and drawing, challenge the reader to discover something new and use their imagination to draw, decorate and design on every pull-out page. The good quality paper and wonderfully intricate artwork ensure that this big, bold book is not just blooming with the most amazing plant life but can help to inspire a new generation of artists. -- Pam Norfolk * Lancashire Evening Post *Children and adults who enjoyed Botanicum (Welcome To The Museum) by Katie Scott and Kathy Willis are going to love the Botanicum Activity Book. Don't be misled by the suggestion that the book is aimed at the seven-plus age group: there's plenty in here for anyone who is still capable of holding a pen or pencil.You could treat this as a standalone activity book but young and old will both get so much more out of the books if they're both available, the main book for reference and the activity book to put their knowledge into practice, to play with it a little and allow it to become part of them. Adults and children who enjoy colouring will enjoy the challenge of the cannonball flower, but my particular favourite in the colouring activities was the page of wild flowers. The result (even with my limited artistic skills) is good enough to frame - the page can be removed with a sharp knife - but the instruction Colour in the wild flowers needs careful exclusion from the end result. For those who like to draw rather than to colour there are opportunities to completes drawings (the mirror images of half leaves was most satisfying) and for those who are less certain of their drawing skills there are even examples showing you how to draw certain specimens. My cycan tree didn't turn out quite as I would have liked, but there's space for more tries.As a child I loved 'Spot the Difference' puzzles and I regressed quite happily. There are several puzzles, each with ten differences to spot and I had a lot of fun. If you get stuck the answers are on the back of the puzzle page. There's a water-lily-leaf maze - and I'll admit to having looked up the answer when I got stuck on that once too often. Some pages are tests of knowledge - which plants grow in which part of the world for example. There's nothing too complex and - once again - the answers are there if you need them.The book is top quality in terms of production values. The paper is substantial and there's no bleed through to the reverse of the page even with dark-coloured felt-tip pens. It travels well - there's a millboard backing which means that a table isn't always necessary. If you do have a table you'll find that the book opens reasonably flat - there none of the frustration of finding that the picture you're colouring disappears into the gutter between the pages and you can't actually get at it. The book's excellent value too. The cover price of £8.99 might seem high for an activity book, but there are 37 activities. Very few will engage just for minutes (even the spot-the-difference puzzles took me quite a while to complete and only one puzzle - the 'find the missing square' - was quickly obvious. Some of the colouring is going to take hours. This could give you peace on a long journey whilst it's being gently educational! -- Sue Magee * Book Bag *Botanicum Activity Book by Kate Scott and Kathy Willis: This activity book is inspired by Botanicum and is published in association with The Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. Published on sturdy paper it's a fantastic activity book for nature lovers and introduces children to many varieties of plant life. Activities include colouring in pages, spot the difference, matching and finish the drawings.Favourite activities here were matching plants to the world regions that they are found, matching carnivorous plants to their prey, learning how to draw a pineapple and drawing the life cycle of a dandelion. The back of each page gives extra facts so that children can learn more in an informal way. This activity book makes learning about plants fun! * Story Snug *

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Book Synopsis"A paradigm-smashing chronicle of joyous entanglement that will make you acknowledge your own entanglement in the ancient and ever-new web of being."--Charles Foster, author of Being a Beast Are trees social beings? In this international bestseller, forester and author Peter Wohlleben convincingly makes the case that, yes, the forest is a social network. He draws on groundbreaking scientific discoveries to describe how trees are like human families: tree parents live together with their children, communicate with them, support them as they grow, share nutrients with those who are sick or struggling, and even warn each other of impending dangers. Wohlleben also shares his deep love of woods and forests, explaining the amazing processes of life, death, and regeneration he has observed in his woodland. After learning about the complex life of trees, a walk in the woods will never be the same again. Includes a Note From a Forest Scientist, by Dr.Suzanne SimardTrade Review"The matter-of-fact Mr. Wohlleben has delighted readers and talk-show audiences alike with the news -- long known to biologists -- that trees in the forest are social beings." --Sally McGrane, The New York Times "This fascinating book will intrigue readers who love a walk through the woods"--Publishers Weekly "If you read this book, I believe that forests will become magical places for you, too." --Tim Flannery "In this spirited exploration, [Wohlleben] guarantees that readers will never look at these life forms in quite the same way again." --Library Journal "A paradigm-smashing chronicle of joyous entanglement that will make you joyously acknowledge your own entanglement in the ancient and ever-new web of being." --Charles Foster, author of Being a Beast: Adventures Across the Species Divide "Soon after we begin to recognize trees for what they are -- gigantic beings thriving against incredible odds for hundreds of years -- we naturally come to ask, 'How do they do it?' This charming book tells how -- not as a lecture, more like a warm conversation with a favorite friend." --Hope Jahren, author of Lab Girl "A powerful reminder to slow down and tune into the language of nature." --Rachel Sussman, author of The Oldest Living Things in the World "Charming, provocative, fascinating. In the tradition of Jean-Henri Fabre and other great naturalist story-tellers, Wohlleben relates imaginative, enthralling tales of ecology." --David George Haskell, author of The Forest Unseen, Pulitzer finalist "Wohlleben's book is at once romantic and scientific, beautifully articulating his personal relationship with the trees he has dedicated his life to. His view of the forest calls on us all to reevaluate our relationships with the plant world." --Daniel Chamovitz, PhD, author of What a Plant Knows "With colorful and engaging descriptions of little-known phenomena in our natural world, Wohlleben helps readers appreciate the exciting processes at work in the forests around them." --Dr. Richard Karban, University of California, Davis, author of Plant Sensing and Communication "You will never look at a tree the same way after reading Peter Wohlleben's The Hidden Life of Trees, which reveals the mind-boggling properties and behavior of these terrestrial giants. Read this electrifying book, then go out and hug a tree -- with admiration and gratitude." --David Suzuki

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Book SynopsisA much-loved classic of nature writing from environmentalist and the author of Waterlog, Roger Deakin, Wildwood is an exploration of the element wood in nature, our culture and our lives. ''Breathtaking, vividly written . . . reading Wildwood is an elegiac experience'' Sunday Times''He writes nature as a blackbird sings, or a bird of prey rides thermals - effortlessly.'' Reader Review ________________From the walnut tree at his Suffolk home, he embarks upon a quest that takes him through Britain, across Europe, to Central Asia and Australia, in search of what lies behind man''s profound and enduring connection with wood and trees. Meeting woodlanders of all kinds, he lives in shacks and cabins, travels in search of the wild apple groves of Kazakhstan, goes coppicing in Suffolk, swims beneath the walnut trees of the Haut-Languedoc, and hunts bush plums with Aboriginal women in thTrade ReviewFull of delight and joy and wisdom * Sunday Telegraph *With this book Roger Deakin can be counted one of the greatest of all nature writers. His beautiful book should serve to make us appreciate more keenly all that we have here on earth * Mail on Sunday *A breathtaking book * Sunday Times *A masterpiece which deserves to be read and reread * Guardian *One of my favourite kind of books. Few books make you change your habits; this one changed mine -- Will Self * New Statesman *With this book Roger Deakin can be counted one of the greatest of all nature writers. His beautiful book should serve to make us appreciate more keenly all that we have here on earth * Mail on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisFrom the crops that have fed billions of people over the centuries to the plants highly regarded for their medicinal qualities, this fascinating offering from garden expert Bill Laws unearths the stories behind some of the world's best-known plants.Table of ContentsIncluding 1 Potato 2 Rice 3 Wheat 4 Banana 5 Cacao... 46 Sunflower 47 Palm (Oil) 48 Kola nut 49 Kastor 50 Henna

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Book SynopsisA stunning collection of botanical art, featuring nature's most beautiful blooms. Biblioflora is a captivating compendium that brings together an exquisite collection of floral masterpieces from botanical artists across the ages. Immerse yourself in the kaleidoscope of colours, shapes, and emotions as each page unveils the timeless allure of flowers through the eyes of artistic and scientific visionaries. This anthology celebrates the universal language of blossoms that has inspired and captivated the human spirit throughout history. Biblioflora is a visual feast that not only showcases the incredible diversity of flora but also pays homage to the enduring power of art to evoke joy, contemplation and wonder. Let this enchanting volume adorn your living space and transport you to a world where petals tell stories and beauty transcends time.

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Book SynopsisThe Hidden Histories of Flowers reveals the captivating world of flowers. From the symbolism and meaning behind flowers and how these have evolved over time, to how humans interact with flowers based on cultural and geographical differences, and how flowers have been coveted for their medicinal aspects as well as for their visual merits, The Hidden Histories of Flowers showcases fascinating details of flowers and our relationship with them. If you find yourself wondering about the deeper meanings behind flowers and are keen to investigate their inner workings and place in history, The Hidden Histories of Flowers is the perfect place to begin your exploration.

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Book SynopsisThis is the most comprehensive guide to foraging for wild mushrooms in UK and Northern Europe, perfect for both beginners and experienced foragers. It describes the best tasting fungi, where & when to find them, how to distinguish the edible species from poisonous lookalikes & when to leave an edible mushroom alone. Trade ReviewWritten by a master of mycology who deeply loves fungus, its habitats and its quirks. * Tim Maddams, TV presenter, chef and cookery writer *Geoff knows his stuff and puts it across in an easily accessible manner. This will be coming on all my fungi forages! * Gary Johnston, co-founder and instructor at Jack Raven Bushcraft *Bursting with quality photos and great information, achieving the 'balance between caution and adventure that a forager needs', this book is an absolute must for foragers. * Fergus Drennan aka Fergus The Forager *A must-have guide for anyone who likes to try edible fungi and wants to extend their knowledge. * Penny Jones, Propagator at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum *A fascinating, wise companion on the journey into the extraordinary and delicious world of fungi. Come autumn, it will accompany every foray I make into the woods, and my life, and my frying pan, will be vastly richer because of it. * Rob Hopkins, founder of the Transition movement *Table of ContentsIntroduction Part I: Fungi and foraging What are fungi? How to identify fungi Where and when to find fungi Safety and equipment Culture and laws Poisonous fungi Edible fungi Part II: The fungi How to use this guide Visual Index Species guide Glossary References Resources Index Photograph credits

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Book Synopsis'A heartwarming guide to these fascinating giants of nature . . . A book that is full of surprises . . . Highly empathetic and informative' Independent  'A global arboreal odyssey' GuardianONE OF THE GUARDIAN'S BOOKS TO WATCH IN 2024 Twelve amazing species of trees that can teach us about our past, present and future.   In Twelve Trees, professor Daniel Lewis takes us around the world – from Australia to the United States, from Easter Island and Mexico to Cameroon – and introduces us to twelve tree species that epitomise the many threats faced by our planet, from climate change, poachers and parasites, to fungi and even elephants. He celebrates their many strengths in the face of adversity, and their enduring abilities to survive – and even thrive – in an increasingly dangerous planet. Trees are essential to all of

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Book SynopsisNiall Mac Coitir brings to life the myths, legends and folklore associated with native Irish trees, much of which persists to this day. Two main themes emerge: the tree as a marker of important places such as royal sites or holy wells, and the role of trees as sources of magical power in folk customs and traditions, such as carrying a blackthorn sta. when out walking at night to ward off evil spirits. Beautifully illustrated and imaginatively written, this mix of natural history, mythology and folklore will entertain and enlighten all interested in Ireland's trees.Trade Review'An easy and fascinating read' * Irish Examiner *

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Book SynopsisExperience the joy of discovering the natural world around you with this beautiful pocket guide to British trees, an inspiration and treat designed to enthral all nature lovers.This comprehensive guide to British trees contains some of the finest original tree illustrations ever produced. Covering all tree species commonly found outside the major arboretums, the text highlights the most important things to look for to aid fast and accurate identification, and the illustrations are annotated with essential features.The introduction contains illustrations of the main leaves, buds, and firs you are likely to find, which also provide the starting point for identification by leading you to a ''key'' species. Within each tree family there is a list of key species and a guide to the most important features to look for when identifying a particular tree from that family. Individual species are then thoroughly described and a detailed illustration features on the same page.This is the ideal pocTrade Review‘Entertaining and informative. A visual delight' BBC Wildlife 'Outstanding colour paintings … precise and accurate' The Times 'David More's illustrations astonish by their beauty and detail' New Scientist 'A must for all tree huggers and lovers' Ecologist 'In the firmament of tree specialists, Dr Owen Johnson is a definite star' The Field

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Book SynopsisThe sixth title in the bestselling Collins Guide series, this book covers the fungi of the British Isles, with considerable relevance for Europe and the wider temperate world.Leading mycological artists have been specially commissioned to ensure accurate, detailed illustrations. Where possible, species are described and illustrated on the same page, with up-to-date authoritative text aiding identification. Nearly 2,400 species are illustrated in full colour, with detailed notes on how to correctly identify them, including details of similar, confusing species. Illustrations of young and mature fruiting bodies are included where necessary, and key features are highlighted for quick and easy reference.Written by one of Europe''s leading mycologists and horticultural scientists, Stefan Buczacki, and illustrated by two of the world''s leading natural history illustrators, Chris Shields and Denys Ovenden, this is the ultimate field guide for mushroom and toadstool lovers.Trade Review‘What a great book. It adds a needed publication for the amateur's library which goes beyond other field guides. The illustrations of crust fungi are excellent and it is a pleasure to see them receive their rightful place in a fungal manual. I am sure you will stimulate many to look at the lower Basidiomycetes in a different light and overcome that fear of looking for and at them. Great stuff! […] A book which should be in lots of naturalists’ hands, not just field mycologists. I would gladly recommend [it] to anyone attending my forays and to my apprentices.’ Prof Roy Watling MBE, DSc., FRSE [Former Head of Mycology and Plant Pathology and sometime Acting Regius Keeper at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh] ‘There are some great images here to delight us […] this book will bring hundreds of new, rare or unusual species to the attention of the general reader, with the added bonus of their up-to-date names.’ Field Mycology journal (British Mycological Society)

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Book SynopsisIntroducing 50 of the world''s most magnificent trees for travellers and nature lovers to enjoy from the comfort of an armchair or to seek and behold in the wild.Whether taking in the beautiful cherry blossoms of Japan or a beech forest''s seasonal hues in France, The Tree Atlas is the ultimate guide to discovering our planet''s most amazing species of tree, as well as better understanding their role in our ever changing ecosystem, and appreciating the restorative effects of visiting these natural wonders in the flesh.Inside The Tree Atlas: 50 amazing trees from around the world presented alongside exquisite photography and handy locator maps Knowledgeable sidebar provides key vitals for each tree including its lifespan, environmental status, and height, plus tips to help you identify each species Practical advice on how to see each tree in the wild including where and when to go

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Book Synopsis'My favourite book of the year' - Kate Humble, Radio Times'This is a book for literary connoisseurs, fact-lovers and environmentalists. In short, it is a book about trees and people, for everyone.' - BBC Countryfile'Eclectic, brilliant and beautifully written, David Haskell reboots our aromatic memory reminding us of how our lives are intertwined with the wonder of trees. A treat not to be sneezed at.' - Sir Peter Crane, FRS'Thirteen Ways to Smell a Tree is a transportive olfactory journey through the forest that sets the sense tingling. Every chapter summons a new aroma: leaf litter and woodsmoke, pine resin and tannin, quinine and bay leaf - life in all its glorious complexity. David George Haskell is a knowledgeable, witty and erudite companion, who takes us by the hand and leads us through the world, reminding us to breathe it all in. This book is a breath of fresh air.' - Cal Flyn, author of Islands of AbandonmentThirteen Ways to Smell a Tree takes you on a journey to connect with trees through the sense most aligned to our emotions and memories. Thirteen essays are included that explore the evocative scents of trees, from the smell of a book just printed as you first open its pages, to the calming scent of Linden blossom, to the ingredients of a particularly good gin & tonic:In your hand: a highball glass, beaded with cool moisture.In your nose: the aromatic embodiment of globalized trade. The spikey, herbal odour of European juniper berries. A tang of lime juice from a tree descended from wild progenitors in the foothills of the Himalayas. Bitter quinine, from the bark of the South American cinchona tree, spritzed into your nostrils by the pop of sparkling tonic water.Take a sip, feel the aroma and taste three continents converge.Each essay also contains a practice the reader is invited to experience. For example, taking a tree inventory of your own home, appreciating just how many things around us came from trees. And if you've ever hugged a tree when no one was looking, try breathing in the scents of different trees that live near you, the smell of pine after the rain, the refreshing, mind-clearing scent of a eucalyptus leaf crushed in your hand.Thirteen Ways to Smell a Tree also contains everyday practices the reader is invited to experience. For example, taking a tree inventory of your own home, appreciating just how many things around us came from trees. And if you've ever hugged a tree when no one was looking, try breathing in the scents of different trees that live near you, the smell of pine after the rain, the refreshing, mind-clearing scent of a eucalyptus leaf crushed in your hand.Trade ReviewMy favourite book of the year. -- Kate Humble * Radio Times *This is a book for literary connoisseurs, fact-lovers and environmentalists. In short, it is a book about trees and people, for everyone. * BBC Countryfile *Eclectic, brilliant and beautifully written, David Haskell reboots our aromatic memory reminding us of how our lives are intertwined with the wonder of trees. A treat not to be sneezed at. -- Sir Peter Crane, FRSThirteen Ways to Smell a Tree is a transportive olfactory journey through the forest that sets the sense tingling. Every chapter summons a new aroma: leaf litter and woodsmoke, pine resin and tannin, quinine and bay leaf - life in all its glorious complexity. David George Haskell is a knowledgeable, witty and erudite companion, who takes us by the hand and leads us through the world, reminding us to breathe it all in. This book is a breath of fresh air. -- Cal Flyn, author of ISLANDS OF ABANDONMENTcontagious enthusiasm ... Haskell's sustained sniffing is an example of how we can acknowledge, and perhaps begin to appreciate, all that exists outside human agendas & forms of communication. This curious book is, ultimately, sensory activism. - Kate Simpson, Times Literary Supplement

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Book SynopsisDiscover London's urban flora in this dedicated map guide.

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Book SynopsisThis beautifully illustrated book brings together sixty essential life lessons inspired by the infinite wisdom of trees.Trees do not have brains to think with, or nervous systems that cause them to feel things, and yet they are undeniably clever. From their ability to adapt, to their understanding of the strength of networks and mutually beneficial relationships, they put us to shame with their natural ability to thrive, even when they find themselves in less than ideal environments. How to Be More Tree brings together sixty universal life lessons taken from the infinite wisdom of trees. We learn about the importance of asking for help when you need it from elms, who call in an army of parasitic wasps when they're being attacked by caterpillars; from acacias, who look out for each other by producing a gas when they're being nibbled on by herbivores to warn their nearby friends; and the Chinese pistache shows us the power in pacing yourself.From the importance of patience, to drawing strength from others, to weathering the storm, to dealing with life’s most persistent irritants – this is a celebration of the heroes of the forest, and an essential companion for dipping into when we need a little inspiration.

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Book SynopsisAn elegant mini edition of Katie Scott and the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew's beautiful Fungarium.This gorgeous mini edition of Fungarium is the perfect gift for nature-lovers or anyone who appreciates beautiful books. Wander the galleries - open 365 days a year - and discover a collection of curated exhibits on every page, accompanied by informative text. Each chapter features a different branch of the fungal kingdom, from colour waxcaps to slimy moulds. Welcome to the museum!Trade ReviewThe illustrations are stunningly clear, colourful, and informative, in an old-fashioned, scientific-drawing style. * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisForage is a beautifully illustrated celebration of edible plants that can be found throughout the world.Anybody can enjoy the increasingly popular back-to-nature activity of foraging. In some countries these plants are now forgotten as food, but in others they are still celebrated for their value as nutritious, delicious ingredients and cooking with wild plants is increasingly being adopted by mainstream restaurants.Journeying through 50 globally populated edible plants, Forage explores the culture and history of our wild food. Stunning botanical illustrations by artist Rachel Pedder-Smith accompany each plant, alongside recipes inspired by the regions of the world where they are most celebrated.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisAn essential guide to every species of tree found in the British Isles outside of arboretumsThis easy-to-use guide covers the 360 species of tree that are found in Britain & Ireland. Each species is covered in detail with information on how to identify, whether from a leaf, twig, bark or whole tree, plus extra information on where the tree grows (including a map), how high they grow, what uses the tree is used for and its unique history.Every species is also comprehensively illustrated with photographs of every useful feature bark, leaf, seed, flower, twig and whole tree.Sample identification section:Silver Birch Betula pendula (Betulaceae) height to 26mA slender, fast-growing deciduous tree with a narrow, tapering crown when young and growing vigorously. Older trees acquire a weeping habit, especially if growing in an open, uncrowded situation.

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Book SynopsisAn elegant mini edition of Katie Scott and the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew's beautiful Aroboretum.This stylish mini edition of Arboretum is the perfect gift for nature-lovers or anyone who appreciates beautiful books. Wander the galleries - open 365 days a year - and discover a collection of curated exhibits on every page, accompanied by informative text. From majestic redwoods to ornamental cherry trees, beautiful pines and exotic palms, each chapter features a different part of the arboreal kingdom.

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Book SynopsisWinter doesn’t have to be a time of year to put your garden to bed. Gardening with Winter Plants is a guide to the range of wonderful plants that will bring colour and interest to your garden at a time of year that can seem dull and grey. In this book, Kew expert Tony Hall has profiles over 200 plant species and cultivars of all types that are perfectly suited to perform in the colder months. The book has tips on planting positions, plant combinations and pruning advice to ensure success in gardens of all sizes. Gardening with Winter Plants includes a reference guide to flowering by month, plant colours and fragrancy, and information on plants that will attract wildlife.

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Book Synopsis “An arboreal odyssey” – NATURE “One of the most quietly beautiful books of the year” – DAILY MAIL Evening Standard Books of the Year 2018 The Times Gardening Books of the Year 2018 Discover the secretive world of trees in Jonathan Drori’s number one bestseller… Bestselling author and environmentalist Jonathan Drori follows in the footsteps of Phileas Fogg as he tells the stories of 80 magnificent trees from all over the globe. In Around the World in 80 Trees, Jonathan Drori uses plant science to illuminate how trees play a role in every part of human life, from the romantic to the regrettable. From the trees of Britain, to India's sacred banyan tree, they offer us sanctuary and inspiration – not to mention the raw materials for everything from aspirin to maple syrup. Stops on the trip include the lime trees of Berlin's Unter den Linden boulevard, which intoxicate amorous Germans and hungry bees alike, the swankiest streets in nineteenth-century London, which were paved with Australian eucalyptus wood, and the redwood forests of California, where the secret to the trees' soaring heights can be found in the properties of the tiniest drops of water. Each of these strange and true tales – populated by self-mummifying monks, tree-climbing goats and ever-so-slightly radioactive nuts – is illustrated by Lucille Clerc, taking the reader on a journey that is as informative as it is beautiful. The book combines history, science and a wealth of quirky detail - there should be surprises for everyone. Perfect for fans of Peter Wohlleben’s The Hidden Life of Trees, this new book will certainly whet the appetite of any tree lover to take an around-the-world trip, or simply visit your local botanic garden. The perfect travel guide for nature enthusiasts. Winner at the Woodland Books of the Year Awards 2018. "An irresistible mix of science, culture, botany, history and vicarious travel" - SYDNEY MORNING HERALD Trade Review‘This is the best love letter to trees I have ever read. Had I written it myself, I would die happy’. Sir Tim Smit, Founder of The Eden Project ‘I have loved trees all my life. It’s fascinating to learn how, across the world, they have inspired people in much the same way, and to understand the key role they play, not just in our lives, but life as a whole’. Dame Judi Dench ‘This is the perfect tree book, with beautiful illustrations. A must for any tree lover, professional or amateur, who wants to learn more about 80 inspirational trees from around the world’. Tony Kirkham, Head of the Arboretum at Kew ‘Full of new ideas and wonderful stories about the trees that helped shape us, I really loved this entertaining and erudite world journey’. Beccy Speight, Chief Executive, The Woodland Trust ‘Around the World in 80 Trees is a celebration of the vital importance of trees to our culture, environment, diet and spiritual well-being. The combination of factual, scientific and historical information makes for a fascinating read. It is a work of art and science with charming illustrations which will delight tree lovers everywhere’. Professor Nicola Spence, the UK Government’s Chief Plant Health Officer ‘In this delightful and beautifully illustrated book Jonathan provides a collection of fascinating biographies of some of the world’s most extraordinary trees. […] This is a personal narrative; Jonathan’s love for trees, and his sense of wonder at the diversity of the natural world, shines through on every page’. Richard Deverell, Director, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew ‘Botanical science, culture and the history of exploration all come together in this journey around the world through many of the most important trees that influence the customs and economy of each country. I would have found it hard to make a better selection of trees that are influential and important to the culture of the many countries [in this] most engaging trip around the world’. Professor Sir Ghillean Prance FRS, VMH, Former Director, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew ‘Nature writing at its best, skilfully weaving science with fascinating folklore and the sheer wonder of trees’. Professor Sir Charles Godfray CBE FRS

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Book SynopsisA glorious celebration of the beauty, diversity, importance and sheer wonder of plants, with exquisite illustrations from the collections of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Plants feed us, clothe us, shelter us, help transport us, and can both intoxicate and cure us. From food staples to exotic and enchanting flowers, plants are essential for the wellbeing of our selves and our planet. Helen and William Bynum are expert guides to the intriguing histories and uses of over 80 key plants. Rich in cultural, historical, botanical and symbolic associations, the plants, from every corner of the globe both familiar and bizarre have fascinating stories to tell. Starting with foods that laid the foundations for the development of civilizations, such as wheat, rice and maize, and those that enliven our diet, such as saffron and spices, sections look at plants that have helped to create our material world, including bamboo and the oak, and crops that have made people rich, such as tea, cTrade Review'This beautifully illustrated, insightful and well-pitched book will make the ideal gift for plant-obsessed readers' - The English Garden'An accessible introduction to the field of economic botany … stands as a rewarding artefact in its own right, emanating the authors’ quintessentially human passion for plants and their uses' - Gardens Illustrated'With 205 exquisite illustrations, this book is beautiful … From rice to rhubarb and aloe to indigo, these plants make life work. And this book is one you should buy' - The Field'The book is blessed with the fine design and production values we expect from this publisher' - Daily TelegraphTable of ContentsIntroduction 1. Transformers 2. Taste 3. Heal and Harm 4. Technology and Power 5. Cash Crops 6. Landscapes 7. Revered and Adored 8. Wonders of Nature

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Book SynopsisA Guardian Best Nature Book of the Year The magic and mystery of the woods are embedded in culture, from ancient folklore to modern literature. They offer us refuge: a place to play, a place to think. They are the generous providers of timber and energy. They let us dream of other ways of living. Yet we now face a future where taking a walk in the woods is consigned to the tales we tell our children. Immersing himself in the beauty of woodland Britain, Peter Fiennes explores our long relationship with the woods and the sad and violent story of how so many have been lost. Just as we need them, our woods need us too. But who, if anyone, is looking out for them?Trade Review‘Extraordinary… Written with a mixture of lyricism and quiet fury…Fiennes’s book winningly combines autobiography, literary history and nature writing. It feels set to become a classic of the genre.’ * Observer *‘Steeped in poetry, science, folklore, history and magic, Fiennes is an eloquent, elegiac chronicler of copses, coppicing and the wildwood.’ * Sunday Express *‘Peter Fiennes writes with a piercingly urgent tone as he examines what he sees as the desperate state of our trees.’ * BBC Wildlife *‘Fascinating…This passionate book should inspire readers to plant more trees, support woodland campaigns and participate in active conservation.’ * BBC Countryfile Magazine *‘Lyrical, angry and often very funny. I loved it.’ -- Tom Holland‘Rich, personal, evocative, rousing.’ -- Robert Penn, author of Woods: A Celebration and The Man Who Made Things Out of Trees‘A passionate ramble through Britain’s complicated relationship with its woodland.’ * Daily Mail *‘A joy of a book and a delight to read.’ * The Great Outdoors *‘A wonderful wander into the woods that explores our deep-rooted connections – cultural, historical and personal – with the trees.’ -- Rob Cowen, author of Common Ground‘A tender hymn to the trees, a manifesto for a woodland society, a contemporary gazette of ideas and attitudes radiating into the future like annual rings from the original pith… In this lyrical, informative, unashamedly arboreal propaganda, one man’s walk in the woods can inspire a generation.’ -- Paul Evans, author of Field Notes from the Edge‘Peter Fiennes really can see the wood for the trees – he blends mythology, natural history and a sense of righteous anger to produce a paean of praise to our ancient woodlands and modern forests, and the life support system they provide.’ -- Stephen Moss, author of Wild Kingdom: Bringing Back Britain’s Wildlife‘Passionate and thoughtful in exactly the way the best nature writing should be…the woodlands of Britain have found their perfect advocate.’ -- Hugh Thomson, author of The Green Road into the Trees‘Fiennes is the best of guides, gently, eloquently and with a fierce humour telling a sad story – relating chapters of fascinating detail to brighten his tale and quoting the poets as he goes.’ -- John Wright, author of A Natural History of the Hedgerow

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Book SynopsisDiscover the life of trees through science, folklore, history and art – every day of the year. Immerse yourself in the world of trees with A Tree A Day – packed with tree facts and richly illustrated throughout with photographs and art. Nature writer Amy-Jane Beer takes us on a tour around the world’s woodlands to tell the stories of a variety of trees, from mysterious ginkos to historical oaks. Anyone who has sat in the dappled shade of a mighty oak or wandered in the blaze of a deciduous woodland in autumn cannot fail to appreciate the wonder of our trees and forests. Each of the 366 entries in this beautiful book – one for every day of the year – reveals some of the fascinating science, natural history or folklore of our great and gracious green neighbours, the history made beneath their branches, or the creativity they inspire. From the awesome Californian redwoods, titans of the tree world, to tiny but exquisite bonsai, and from the fantastically irritable sentinel willow of Harry Potter fame to the Japanese springtime tradition of hanami (blossom viewing) – this captivating collection showcases remarkable individuals and explores some of the ways trees support life on Earth as we know it. Celebrating one of the longest-living lifeforms on earth, A Tree A Day is forest bathing in book form and a wonder for nature lovers and tree enthusiasts alike.Trade Review‘Gorgeous … A Wildwood of a Book’ -- Robert Mcfarlane‘This chunky volume gives a good daily dose of dendrology. Indeed, more than that, it gives 366 compelling reasons why we should treasure our trees and foster a world in which they can thrive’ – Dixe Wills -- BBC Countryfile‘Stunning’ -- Garden Answers

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Book Synopsis''It has been hand-planted by Tsarinas and felled by foresters. It has been celebrated by peasants, worshipped by pagans and painted by artists. It has self-seeded across mountains and rivers and train tracks and steppe and right through the ruined modernity of a nuclear fall-out site. And like all symbols, the story of the birch has its share of horrors (white, straight, native, pure: how could it not?). But, maybe in the end, what I''m really in search of is a birch that means nothing: stripped of symbolism, bereft of use-value . . . A birch that is simply a tree in a land that couldn''t give a shit.''The birch, genus Betula, is one of the northern hemisphere''s most widespread and easily recognisable trees. A pioneer species, the birch is also Russia''s unofficial national emblem, and in The White Birch art critic Tom Jeffreys sets out to grapple with the riddle of Russianness through numerous journeys, encounters, histories and artworks that all sharTrade ReviewA natural-political exploration of Russian relationships with the birch tree across past, present, and future. Moving from the Tsarina's garden to the Soviet Gulag, from Chernobyl to Lake Baikal, The White Birch is elegant and intrepid, like its subject -- Daisy Hildyard, author of The Second Body and Hunters in the Snow'Genuinely revelatory' -- Sophy Richards * TLS *There could be no better guide through the thickets of meaning, history and imagery that entangle with the birch tree than figurative forester Tom Jeffreys -- Melissa McCarthy, author of Sharks Death SurfersA beautiful and profound meditation on the way landscape shapes art and life. I was entranced by The White Birch, a book that comes close to encapsulating the vast enigma of Russia in the form of a single tree -- Alex Preston, author of Winchelsea and As Kingfishers Catch FireI love this book. Jeffreys admits he doesn't know where he's going at every turn, but trusts his instinct - and his ear for a good story - as he tries to untangle myth from fact . . . This is the great joy of The White Birch -- Mark Hooper * Caught by the River *

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Book SynopsisThe definitive, fully-illustrated guide to the trees of Britain and non-Mediterranean Europe.This brand-new field guide to the trees of northern Europe contains some of the finest original tree illustrations ever produced. The introduction contains illustrations of the main leaves, buds, and firs you are likely to find, and these provide the starting point for identification by leading you to a ''key'' species.Within each tree family there is a list of key species and a guide to the most important features to look for when identifying a particular tree from that family. Then individual species are clearly described and a detailed illustration is given on the same page.Covering all the tree species found outside the major arboretums, from the olive tree to the eucalyptus, this is one of the most important tree guides to have appeared in the last 20 years. The illustrations are annotated with essential identification features, and the text highlights the most important things to look for to aid fast and accurate identification. There is also coverage of all the species native to Southern Europe.Trade ReviewPraise for the small format edition: ‘Entertaining and informative. A visual delight' BBC Wildlife 'A remarkable new guide' Guardian 'Outstanding colour paintings…precise and accurate' The Times 'David More's illustrations astonish by their beauty and detail' New Scientist 'Essential for 21st century treehuggers everywhere' Matt James 'Makes identifying trees a piece of cake…something all tree lovers will want to have' Garden News 'As compact as a complete handbook can possibly be' Best of British 'A must for all tree huggers and lovers' The Ecologist 'In the firmament of tree specialists, Dr Owen Johnson is a definite star' The Field 'In addition to the detailed descriptions and illustrations of bark, seed, and leaf, and well-planned structure, lies a host of information gems' Countryside Voice 'This nicely packaged and presented book is a must' Tree News 'Suffice to say that this book is an absolute must-have' New Woodworking

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Book SynopsisSeeds are tiny parcels of life, poised to give rise to anything from ephemeral herbs to giant trees that can live for thousands of years. A close look at these tiny miracles of nature through a scanning electron microscope opens up a view into a fascinating and breathtakingly beautiful microcosm few people, even scientists, have ever seen before. The range of sizes, shapes, and patterns plants have evolved over 360 million years to perfect their one and only chance in life to travel is beyond our wildest imagination.In this astonishing book, artist Rob Kesseler and botanist Wolfgang Stuppy, previously of Kew's Millennium Seed Bank, present a unique and highly unusual natural history of seeds. The story of how seeds evolved to ensure the survival of their species and how they adapted to their natural environments including the animals they share them with is stunningly illustrated, combining close-up photography with digitally enhanced scanning electron micrographs.This

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Book SynopsisAn extraordinary collection of more than 300 images celebrating the beauty and diversity of trees

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Book Synopsis''Rich and replenishing ... I felt lovesick for it after it was done'' ELEANOR CATTON, Booker Prize-winning author''I really loved this book'' JENN ASHWORTH''A brilliantly ambitious and authentic cultural history. A real treasure.'' ROWAN WILLIAMS, former Archbishop of Canterbury__________In the past, we were deeply bound to all things green and growing. We once knew the landscape and the plants around us as well as we knew ourselves. But today our relationship with plants and nature has grown distant - we have lost a sense of plants as precious.Vanishing Landscapes tells the story of how plants disappeared from our daily lives one by one. First were apples, then household medicines like saffron, cloth dyes like woad, grapes for making wine, and then, eventually, the timber and reeds we used to build our houses and the wheat we grew for our bread. In their place came the first corporation, the first factory, the banking system, private property, global trade, and modern medicine.The history of these plants shows us how we became modern, but it also shows a path to recover some of what we have lost. In Vanishing Landscapes, Bonnie Lander Johnson goes in search of the old life and the people who are still connected to the land. She meets farmers in Ireland, wine makers in Yorkshire and cloth dyers in the Highlands. She cuts reeds in the watery Norfolk fens and camps overnight in a West Country orchard to gaze up at an unchanging sky.Vanishing Landscapes brings to life a world we never knew but still long for, and reminds us that it''s not too late to find a way back.

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Book Synopsis"Beautiful, useful, inspirational" BBC Wildlife Book of the Month "A delight on every page" Evening Standard In 1664, the horticulturist and diarist John Evelyn wrote Sylva, the first comprehensive study of British trees. It was also the world's earliest forestry book, and the first book ever published by the Royal Society. Evelyn's elegant prose has a lot to tell us today, but the world has changed dramatically since his day. Now authors Gabriel Hemery and Sarah Simblet, taking inspiration from the original work, have masterfully created a contemporary version – The New Sylva. The result is a fabulous resource that describes all of the most important species of tree that populate our landscape. Silvologist Gabriel Hemery explains what trees really mean to us culturally, environmentally and economically in the first part of the book. These chapters are followed by forty-four detailed tree portrait sections that describe the history and the features of trees such as oak, elm, beech, hornbeam, willow, fir, pine, juniper, plane, apple and pear. The pages of The New Sylva are brought to life with truly breathtaking artwork from artist and co-author Sarah Simblet, who captures the delicacy, strength and beauty of the trees through the seasons in 200 exquisite drawings. With an interplay of black and red type on creamy paper, The New Sylva recalls all the charm of traditional bookmaking. And at a moment when it is vitally important for us to rediscover how to treasure our trees, the time for this visionary, beautiful book is now. This edition comes with illustrated endpapers and a ribbon marker. Trade ReviewAn excellent successor to Sylva, well written and full of interesting information ... The illustrations are magnificent, pen drawings by the great tree artist Sarah Simblet. She has the rare gift of depicting a recognisable leafless tree, a gift that was denied to artists Poussin and Gainsborough * Oliver Rackham, Spectator *Sumptuous ... exquisite drawings grace almost every spread. The reader will be beguiled into consuming large sections in a single sitting. It's also a book for dipping into. ... planting trees is an affirmation of faith in the future, and this book will inspire new generations of tree planters, just as the original did * Gardens Illustrated *A book that proclaims its virtues with quiet dignity * Sunday Times *Glorious * Sunday Telegraph *Beautiful, useful and inspirational * BBC Wildlife Book of the Month *Exquisite ... eloquently written and beautifully illustrated * The Lady *Gorgeous, precious and important * Resurgence & Ecologist *Unparalleled understanding of our trees * Mail on Sunday *A delight on every page * Evening Standard *

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Book Synopsis'A fascinating treasure trove for plant lovers and gardeners alike.' - Frances TophillOften beautiful and sometimes strange, flowering plants have evolved to become masters of seduction.We are surrounded by extraordinary partnerships between plants and the birds, bees and other insects that pollinate them. In The Sexual Life of Flowers, botanist Simon Klein leads a beguiling and fascinating tour of the courtship between fifty flowers and the pollinators vital to their survival.From the siren scent of honeysuckle to the radiating warmth of the sunflower or the ultraviolet signal of the red poppy; tales of botanical charm, deception and intrigue are played out amid an annual explosion of activity in gardens, meadows and woodlands. Lavishly illustrated in full colour, this is a beautiful collection for gardeners and anyone with an interest in flowers.

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Book Synopsis

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