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Drawn to the Garden
Find solace in your outdoor space in this delightful horticultural journey with actress Caroline Quentin , as she draws on her life-long passion for gardening.
Through the pages of this gift book, Caroline shows how much joy she gets from spending time in her garden, whether it be grappling with the best way to grow plants and vegetables, or raising seeds in her potting shed. Though she now has a large following on her Instagram account, @CQGardens , her attitude to gardening is the same as it has always been – expertise helps but is not essential. Gardening should be fun and enjoyable , filled with the simple pleasures of planning, planting, harvesting and cooking . It is also a meditative and restorative pastime , and a great way to lift your spirits .
Written in a warm and engaging way that reflects her personality , Caroline tells stories of growing chillies from seed in her greenhouse, berating the thieving blackbirds in her fruit cage, and swimming in her pond singing to dragon flies and flag irises. Over the years, she has come to realise that gardening, just like life, is a series of happy accidents, unplanned successes, and baffling and frustrating failures.
Illustrated by Caroline herself, this gorgeous book mixes personal stories of her life and experiences in the garden, with practical tips, recipes for food and drink, and even the occasional favourite poem. As she likes to misquote Dorothy ‘ Take to horticulture, it’s cheaper than a shrink ’.
Through the pages of this gift book, Caroline shows how much joy she gets from spending time in her garden, whether it be grappling with the best way to grow plants and vegetables, or raising seeds in her potting shed. Though she now has a large following on her Instagram account, @CQGardens , her attitude to gardening is the same as it has always been – expertise helps but is not essential. Gardening should be fun and enjoyable , filled with the simple pleasures of planning, planting, harvesting and cooking . It is also a meditative and restorative pastime , and a great way to lift your spirits .
Written in a warm and engaging way that reflects her personality , Caroline tells stories of growing chillies from seed in her greenhouse, berating the thieving blackbirds in her fruit cage, and swimming in her pond singing to dragon flies and flag irises. Over the years, she has come to realise that gardening, just like life, is a series of happy accidents, unplanned successes, and baffling and frustrating failures.
Illustrated by Caroline herself, this gorgeous book mixes personal stories of her life and experiences in the garden, with practical tips, recipes for food and drink, and even the occasional favourite poem. As she likes to misquote Dorothy ‘ Take to horticulture, it’s cheaper than a shrink ’.
- GenresNonfictionGardening
192 pages, Hardcover
Published April 23, 2024
19 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 8, 2024
This book was actually a recommendation from my mum which is quite surprising considering she never reads. However, she does watch morning television and she saw the author on speaking about her book and she knew instantly I would love it.
This book contains almost all I love in life… growing from seed, childhood memories, salads, mental, health, and well-being, fruit, and veg, recipes from the garden, pets, herbs, water and scents from the garden. Caroline has illustrated her book beautifully, reminding me how much joy I get from drawing..
She talks in detail about how mental health and nature are inextricably linked, and her own mother’s experience with this.
“The natural world is my go to hand to hold when I need to comfort my stability in an unstable world; and I know from correspondence this is so for many of us.”
Caroline provides so much in this book including small examples of how to meditate and be in nature by connecting ourselves to the natural world. Sometimes it’s a matter of reminding ourselves to take a deep breath of fresh air. She says: “Some of the best conversations I’ve had are with trees. Trees are never too busy to hang out with me. They always seem to make time and unlike other friends over the years they are always exactly where I last saw them..”
She talks about growing and eating the rainbow, sharing many of her favourite edibles to grow and recipes to follow.
We even find nature in our favourite fairytales 🧚 allowing children to explore human nature, plants, and animals and the natural world. Examples include Cinderella, Snow, White, Peter Rabbit, Alison Wonderland, and of course, Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden; the list endless
I have often heard to sow a seed is an act of hope, it is to believe in the future. I know whatever my health may bring this year, I am determined to get into my garden and plant some seeds and along with the generous help and support of my parents we will create a prolific garden in the months to come…
I loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone, gardener or not!
This book contains almost all I love in life… growing from seed, childhood memories, salads, mental, health, and well-being, fruit, and veg, recipes from the garden, pets, herbs, water and scents from the garden. Caroline has illustrated her book beautifully, reminding me how much joy I get from drawing..
She talks in detail about how mental health and nature are inextricably linked, and her own mother’s experience with this.
“The natural world is my go to hand to hold when I need to comfort my stability in an unstable world; and I know from correspondence this is so for many of us.”
Caroline provides so much in this book including small examples of how to meditate and be in nature by connecting ourselves to the natural world. Sometimes it’s a matter of reminding ourselves to take a deep breath of fresh air. She says: “Some of the best conversations I’ve had are with trees. Trees are never too busy to hang out with me. They always seem to make time and unlike other friends over the years they are always exactly where I last saw them..”
She talks about growing and eating the rainbow, sharing many of her favourite edibles to grow and recipes to follow.
We even find nature in our favourite fairytales 🧚 allowing children to explore human nature, plants, and animals and the natural world. Examples include Cinderella, Snow, White, Peter Rabbit, Alison Wonderland, and of course, Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden; the list endless
I have often heard to sow a seed is an act of hope, it is to believe in the future. I know whatever my health may bring this year, I am determined to get into my garden and plant some seeds and along with the generous help and support of my parents we will create a prolific garden in the months to come…
I loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone, gardener or not!
May 13, 2024
Вот ради такого и надо продолжать издавать и покупать бумагу! Книга-настроение, книга-удовольствие, книга-ASMR. Очень немного технического (куда какой компост), много доброго, познавательного, да ещё приправлено отменным британским юмором и авторскими акварелями.
March 3, 2024
This is a fabulous book full of all things nature and being in the garden, growing things, recipes and also illustrated by the author.
This is a book that you can pick up and flick through or read from cover to cover. I did initially flick through but soon found myself stopping and reading through. The author brings her love of the garden through the pages with anecdotes, little tales and a lot of humour as she tries to win a losing battle with bugs, birds and other critters that like to throw a spanner in the works.
Being a gardener myself who grows fruit, veg and flowers there is also something new to learn or discover different ways of doing things. This book does not tell you how you should garden but it is one that just tells how one person does it and she tells of wins and failures.
Being in the garden is great, it feels very accomplishing when things grow and you can harvest things and eat them straight away. Taking time to stop and smell the roses, and other flowers is always relaxing. Sitting with this book has made me realize how much I have missed being out in the garden over the wet winter months and I am looking forward to getting back out there again.
This book is something that would make a wonderful gift or keeping for yourself. I adored this and it will be read outside in the sunshine with a mug of coffee and the birds singing in the background. I would recommend it for those who love being outside, have an interest in growing things or want an insight into the life and thoughts of the author.
This is a book that you can pick up and flick through or read from cover to cover. I did initially flick through but soon found myself stopping and reading through. The author brings her love of the garden through the pages with anecdotes, little tales and a lot of humour as she tries to win a losing battle with bugs, birds and other critters that like to throw a spanner in the works.
Being a gardener myself who grows fruit, veg and flowers there is also something new to learn or discover different ways of doing things. This book does not tell you how you should garden but it is one that just tells how one person does it and she tells of wins and failures.
Being in the garden is great, it feels very accomplishing when things grow and you can harvest things and eat them straight away. Taking time to stop and smell the roses, and other flowers is always relaxing. Sitting with this book has made me realize how much I have missed being out in the garden over the wet winter months and I am looking forward to getting back out there again.
This book is something that would make a wonderful gift or keeping for yourself. I adored this and it will be read outside in the sunshine with a mug of coffee and the birds singing in the background. I would recommend it for those who love being outside, have an interest in growing things or want an insight into the life and thoughts of the author.
January 14, 2024
What a lovely little gardening book!
It’s written in the style of a gardening journal in several sections including how she came to gardening, planting and variety tips (these are focused on gardening in the UK), recipes, animals in the garden, etc.
I found myself comparing my own gardening techniques and learning some new things to try! Overall a very fun read that I found inspiring. I can see myself coming back to it again and again.
The watercolor illustrations done by the author are fun!
A perfect gift for yourself or any gardeners in your life- whether beginners wanting a friend to help them start gardening or experienced gardeners who love to talk with and learn from others!
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto publishers for the opportunity to review this book!
It’s written in the style of a gardening journal in several sections including how she came to gardening, planting and variety tips (these are focused on gardening in the UK), recipes, animals in the garden, etc.
I found myself comparing my own gardening techniques and learning some new things to try! Overall a very fun read that I found inspiring. I can see myself coming back to it again and again.
The watercolor illustrations done by the author are fun!
A perfect gift for yourself or any gardeners in your life- whether beginners wanting a friend to help them start gardening or experienced gardeners who love to talk with and learn from others!
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto publishers for the opportunity to review this book!
July 13, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. By better half is a gardener and advised me to give this one a go.
Its very funny and very informative.
This book is definitely good for people who are thinking of doing more in the garden and need a little inspiration. It is also a good read for advanced gardeners too.
Its very funny and very informative.
This book is definitely good for people who are thinking of doing more in the garden and need a little inspiration. It is also a good read for advanced gardeners too.
August 19, 2025
Wonderful little book. Caroline Quenton has a lovely way of combining her love of gardening and how it has affected her life. She mixes useful information with a wonderful sense of humour. Definitely a book to pick up again and again.
December 21, 2023
Caroline Quentin is best known to me as an actress. I watched her in Blue Murder where she played a somewhat frazzled (in her home life) detective. Now, I know her as an author and lover of nature as well..
This is a delightful book with whimsical illustrations done by Quentin herself. I smiled when I saw the front and back views of her in a gardening apron near the beginning of the book.
I love Quentin’s candid and open voice as she tells her stories. In these pages are personal reflections, practical advice and recipes. Readers will find warmth, wisdom and humor here. as she writes of the experience of gardening and of life.
Sample chapters include Memories, Wellbeing, Pets & pests, Childhood and more. Dip in anywhere or start at the beginning.
I highly recommend this book. I will buy the hard copy when it is released.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
This is a delightful book with whimsical illustrations done by Quentin herself. I smiled when I saw the front and back views of her in a gardening apron near the beginning of the book.
I love Quentin’s candid and open voice as she tells her stories. In these pages are personal reflections, practical advice and recipes. Readers will find warmth, wisdom and humor here. as she writes of the experience of gardening and of life.
Sample chapters include Memories, Wellbeing, Pets & pests, Childhood and more. Dip in anywhere or start at the beginning.
I highly recommend this book. I will buy the hard copy when it is released.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
January 25, 2024
As I recently commented on this author’s Instagram @cqgardens, “You are a genius. I was lucky enough to secure an early copy and I think you are so talented. Thank you for your art .. paint and word!” As it happens, this genius author is also a talented actress in England, and it shows in her showy descriptions and exuberance for life.
How can I describe how much I enjoyed this book?! I laughed so hard at her descriptions of plants, cried at her heartfelt accounts of her and her mother, and giggled at the irreverent tongue-in-cheek allusions … all with a gardener’s bent and a love of life. Part memoir, part tips-and-tricks, part pop-culture-reference humor, this is a garden book you shouldn’t miss. Her unquestionable command of the fine art of snarkasm cannot be denied!
In addition to her love of the garden, in this book Caroline is kind enough to gift us all with her own recipes too. As a lover of Mediterranean food, I too can almost live on a diet of dishes made with olive oil and fresh garden produce.
Why I Chose This Book
As a garden artist myself (I do paint in watercolors, like the author’s self-illustrations, but acrylic is my love) I was “drawn” as it were, to this artistic expression of a gardener. I thought we would have a lot in common. I was beyond correct about that!
How can I describe how much I enjoyed this book?! I laughed so hard at her descriptions of plants, cried at her heartfelt accounts of her and her mother, and giggled at the irreverent tongue-in-cheek allusions … all with a gardener’s bent and a love of life. Part memoir, part tips-and-tricks, part pop-culture-reference humor, this is a garden book you shouldn’t miss. Her unquestionable command of the fine art of snarkasm cannot be denied!
In addition to her love of the garden, in this book Caroline is kind enough to gift us all with her own recipes too. As a lover of Mediterranean food, I too can almost live on a diet of dishes made with olive oil and fresh garden produce.
Why I Chose This Book
As a garden artist myself (I do paint in watercolors, like the author’s self-illustrations, but acrylic is my love) I was “drawn” as it were, to this artistic expression of a gardener. I thought we would have a lot in common. I was beyond correct about that!
December 30, 2023
I rather enjoyed this. I admire Quentin's enthusiasm for gardening and painting, birdwatching and nature. She is not afraid to love things and as I get older I really appreciate people who have love and enthusiasm for things in their lives. I thought the sections where she describes how to grow and plant things were easy to understand and achievable for the novice gardener and the recipes are accessible and easy to have a go at. The only bum note for me was the fairytales section of the book which seemed randomly thrown in for reasons unknown. Otherwise this is rather lovely.
September 22, 2024
So magical and wholesome, we have planting guides, anecdotes, water colour paintings and a really really fun narrator. What more could you want? The joys of gardening were absolutely highlighted in this book and it made me so so so excited to plant my spring garden. A very individual expression of a love for plants, the narrator lives in Britain and I could not relate so many of the bugs and herbs and obviously the seasons described. Still a very good read.
March 26, 2025
Interesting read, laced with humor. Those who love gardening will love it. I particularly liked the chapters on the dragonflies, the pond and the birds. Though a garden lover, I did not favor the gardening part as it had details of plants and herbs that are suitable to a particular topography & climate in the UK - which is quite different from the tropical climes I live in.
January 12, 2024
DRAWN TO THE GARDEN inspires the reader to find joy in the gardening life, which speaks to me more and more these days. Her colorful illustrations and delicious recipes add to the good cheer. Highly recommended!
May 14, 2024
A delightful and delicious tome, filled with personal stories, rewritten fairytales, scrumptious recipes, helpful guidance for the aspiring gardener, and Caroline's wonderful drawings and witty words. Let's get growing!
September 5, 2024
Enjoyable listen but wish it had more mention of plants rather than veg. The title ‘drawn’ to the garden also led me to believe there would be more on Carolyn’s artistic side and what/why/how she draws etc..
December 21, 2024
It was a novelty, easy reading and thought provoking, although I didn’t always understand the references! Favourite quote: “courgettes have a habit of either coming to nothing in a bad year or in a good year providing an embarrassment of riches”.
March 24, 2024
Really enjoyed this. Beautifully written and illustrated with plenty of Caroline Quentin humour.
April 24, 2024
If ever you could have a hug from a book this is the book. A lovely read about gardening entwined with memories and recipes . Loved it.
May 4, 2024
A great read if you like gardening (in the UK) and humorous anecdotes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2024
An enjoyable and informative read with humour and love for the gardening world.
January 17, 2025
What a lovely read on gardening ecology and life matters
Easy and light reading taking me back to my veg and herb gardening days!
Easy and light reading taking me back to my veg and herb gardening days!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews