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Jane Austen's Garden: A Botanical Tour of the Classic Novels
A celebration of Jane Austen’s life and literature as told through the flowers, plants, and landscapes that inspired her.
Through explorations of the botanical inspirations and symbolism in Austen’s work and personal life, as well as historical information about the gardens and landscapes of the Regency Era, Jane Austen’s Garden will transport readers back in time to the lush English landscape of the early 1800s. Included in the narrative are DIY gardening projects to help you create a home garden worthy of a surprise visit from Lady Catherine de Bourgh or maybe just give your office plant setup a bit of historical flair. Accessible, entertaining, and enhanced by the enchanted illustrations of celebrated artist Jessica Roux, Jane Austen’s Garden is a fun twist on a familiar subject that will delight plant lovers and Janeites alike.
Through explorations of the botanical inspirations and symbolism in Austen’s work and personal life, as well as historical information about the gardens and landscapes of the Regency Era, Jane Austen’s Garden will transport readers back in time to the lush English landscape of the early 1800s. Included in the narrative are DIY gardening projects to help you create a home garden worthy of a surprise visit from Lady Catherine de Bourgh or maybe just give your office plant setup a bit of historical flair. Accessible, entertaining, and enhanced by the enchanted illustrations of celebrated artist Jessica Roux, Jane Austen’s Garden is a fun twist on a familiar subject that will delight plant lovers and Janeites alike.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published March 11, 2025
45 people are currently reading
605 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
March 11, 2025
I enjoyed "Jane Austen's Garden" quite a bit! This beautifully illustrated book had a very different angle on most of the Austen non-fiction - to wit, a discussion of the garden references in her main novels along with informative tutorials and related "how to's" on gardening & crafts. While I personally can't do much of this particular gardening due to my desert location, I did enjoy reading about it & looking at all the amazing and lovely botanical illustrations - so beautiful!
February 20, 2025
When I was in high school, I fell in love with the Regency Era through Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” Over the next thirty-plus years, I’ve read every single word of Austen’s collected works. I’m also rural and do a ton of gardening. So, when I saw “Jane Austen’s Garden: A Botanical Tour of the Classic Novels” by Molly Williams, I knew that I had to read it.
This book was illustrated by Jessica Roux and, let me tell you, the artwork is absolutely breathtaking. There are numerous chapters on this book focusing on subjects like “Hedgerows” and “Parks,” which were common during the era and remain so to this day.
Williams retrieved snippets of text from Austen’s six major novels and personal letters that focus on gardening—vegetables, fruits, flowers, and trees—and on what I term the British gardening experience. For example, taking tours of country estates, which is a habit that continues to this day by a multitude of British citizens.
In the “Cultivating Jane” sections that appear throughout the book, Williams gives readers instructions on how to recreate the Regency feel in their own homes. For example, how to make faux flowers and how to create lavender water.
The author also includes instructions on how to shape a boxwood topiary. However, it’s a shame that Williams didn’t address the current and ongoing box blight crisis that very well could destroy the topiary that you make. The author included some excellent text from Austen’s novels. However, on several occasions, she reuses information that she previously cited at earlier places in the book.
Despite these minor issues, I can easily see this beautifully illustrated book becoming a go-to gift for fans of Jane Austen. Besides the writing and the illustrations, this book’s layout and the fonts used are absolutely perfect; whomever designed this book deserves a round of applause! This is a book that should be offered for sale at gardening centers everywhere.
I received an ARC of “Jane Austen’s Garden: A Botanical Tour of the Classic Novels” by Molly Williams from NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This book was illustrated by Jessica Roux and, let me tell you, the artwork is absolutely breathtaking. There are numerous chapters on this book focusing on subjects like “Hedgerows” and “Parks,” which were common during the era and remain so to this day.
Williams retrieved snippets of text from Austen’s six major novels and personal letters that focus on gardening—vegetables, fruits, flowers, and trees—and on what I term the British gardening experience. For example, taking tours of country estates, which is a habit that continues to this day by a multitude of British citizens.
In the “Cultivating Jane” sections that appear throughout the book, Williams gives readers instructions on how to recreate the Regency feel in their own homes. For example, how to make faux flowers and how to create lavender water.
The author also includes instructions on how to shape a boxwood topiary. However, it’s a shame that Williams didn’t address the current and ongoing box blight crisis that very well could destroy the topiary that you make. The author included some excellent text from Austen’s novels. However, on several occasions, she reuses information that she previously cited at earlier places in the book.
Despite these minor issues, I can easily see this beautifully illustrated book becoming a go-to gift for fans of Jane Austen. Besides the writing and the illustrations, this book’s layout and the fonts used are absolutely perfect; whomever designed this book deserves a round of applause! This is a book that should be offered for sale at gardening centers everywhere.
I received an ARC of “Jane Austen’s Garden: A Botanical Tour of the Classic Novels” by Molly Williams from NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 7, 2025
Flowers and herbs, fruits and vegetables, mazes and ponds, delightful conservatories and wide parklands. Welcome to 1800's England. In this beautifully illustrated coffee table book we're exploring the natural world as described in Jane Austen's novels.
Packed with general information, craft projects, history and architectural delights, this book is sheer joy. The writing is engaging, the chapters short enough to hold the reader's attention, the craft projects easy to follow.
A helpful Regency Horticultural Language glossary is included.
Jane Austen's Garden is one to leave out on your table and keep browsing to your heart's content, so pretty!
Thank you Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the ARC.
Packed with general information, craft projects, history and architectural delights, this book is sheer joy. The writing is engaging, the chapters short enough to hold the reader's attention, the craft projects easy to follow.
A helpful Regency Horticultural Language glossary is included.
Jane Austen's Garden is one to leave out on your table and keep browsing to your heart's content, so pretty!
Thank you Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the ARC.
March 11, 2025
Lacking a garden of my own, I admit that I liked this book basically because it seems to have been written a couple of centuries ago ( I mean with respect to the type of drawings and fonts used). Otherwise I admit to a weakness I have for anything that is in any way related to Jane Austen directly or indirectly.
In mancanza di un mio giardino, ammetto che questo libro mi é piaciuto fondamentalmente perché sembra scritto un paio di secoli fa ( intendo rispetto al tipo dei disegni e di font utilizzati). Per il resto ammetto una mia debolezza per tutto quello che sia in qualche modo collegato a Jane Austen in modo diretto o indiretto.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
In mancanza di un mio giardino, ammetto che questo libro mi é piaciuto fondamentalmente perché sembra scritto un paio di secoli fa ( intendo rispetto al tipo dei disegni e di font utilizzati). Per il resto ammetto una mia debolezza per tutto quello che sia in qualche modo collegato a Jane Austen in modo diretto o indiretto.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
May 3, 2025
As a dilettante Janeite and gardener, I couldn’t resist a prettily illustrated volume with such a title as Jane Austen’s Garden. Gardener, Molly Williams decided to pair her knowledge of botany with her knowledgeable love of Jane Austen and her novels. This book is a love affair to Jane Austen and gardens.
This giftable, coffee table-style book with its eye-catching illustrations and formatting is broken into easy read sections: Intro, The Flower Garden, The Kitchen Garden, The Conservatory, The Parkland, The Hedgerow, Afternote, and Glossary. In these sections, there are little inserts showing lovely Regency DIY projects like make your own Lavender Water or design your own nosegay Posey.
The major sections provide explanations of general English garden history or specifics into the plants that were prevalent in Jane Austen’s day related to locales in a Regency era person’s life from thistles, to herbs, to fruits, to bushes, to trees. There quotes from the novels or Austen’s letters and then discourses on the plants mentioned in the quotes. The explanations and notes do not delve deep into the background of the novels or gardening so a new gardener or new to Austen reader can appreciate what they are reading. This does mean that anyone looking for scholarly level detail should probably look elsewhere. I also found the terms and glossary a good summation of some of the concepts found in the body of the book.
As to the illustrations of plants and artistic renderings from the Regency, they are lovely and I enjoyed perusing them throughout the book. I enjoyed seeing the drawings of the plants with the discussion of how it grows, its history, and where it’s found in Austen letters or novels.
Jane Austen’s Garden is aimed at those who wish to page through a joint-topic book for a light appreciation experience. And, this I did. I learned something of Regency era gardening and botanical beauty, how the people of the era thought about their natural world and plants, and I enjoyed seeing the notes of how Jane Austen brought her love of the such into her novels and letters. Again, the audience is the lay person lover of Austen and nature and this would make a lovely gift.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink 4.24.25.
This giftable, coffee table-style book with its eye-catching illustrations and formatting is broken into easy read sections: Intro, The Flower Garden, The Kitchen Garden, The Conservatory, The Parkland, The Hedgerow, Afternote, and Glossary. In these sections, there are little inserts showing lovely Regency DIY projects like make your own Lavender Water or design your own nosegay Posey.
The major sections provide explanations of general English garden history or specifics into the plants that were prevalent in Jane Austen’s day related to locales in a Regency era person’s life from thistles, to herbs, to fruits, to bushes, to trees. There quotes from the novels or Austen’s letters and then discourses on the plants mentioned in the quotes. The explanations and notes do not delve deep into the background of the novels or gardening so a new gardener or new to Austen reader can appreciate what they are reading. This does mean that anyone looking for scholarly level detail should probably look elsewhere. I also found the terms and glossary a good summation of some of the concepts found in the body of the book.
As to the illustrations of plants and artistic renderings from the Regency, they are lovely and I enjoyed perusing them throughout the book. I enjoyed seeing the drawings of the plants with the discussion of how it grows, its history, and where it’s found in Austen letters or novels.
Jane Austen’s Garden is aimed at those who wish to page through a joint-topic book for a light appreciation experience. And, this I did. I learned something of Regency era gardening and botanical beauty, how the people of the era thought about their natural world and plants, and I enjoyed seeing the notes of how Jane Austen brought her love of the such into her novels and letters. Again, the audience is the lay person lover of Austen and nature and this would make a lovely gift.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink 4.24.25.
February 17, 2025
Many thanks to the Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jessica Roux is one of my favourite book illustrators and as a lover of Jane Austen, this immediately caught my interest. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to have an early glimpse of this; the artwork throughout is unsurprisingly stunning and author Molly Williams does a lovely job of providing as various aspects of regency gardens.
Here is the crux though; it has quite a lot of different things to offer and this can be both a good or a bad thing depending on what you are looking for in this book. It was largely not what I personally was looking for, but it might be the perfect blend for someone else. Aesthetics aside, this book delivers interesting history and a bit of trivia on plants (including fruit, vegetables and herbs), guides on how to recreate aspects of regency gardening and homegrown food for yourself as well as highlighting when and where they are relevant in Austen's novels. In addition, it also gives a bit of a background to Austen's life and once again, how gardens and botanics might have fit into the picture.
I think that for a DIY garden enthusiast, a Jane Austen and botanical history fan, this may very well be the perfect book and would make a lovely gift. I myself was expecting less guides (there were a few too many to make this feel like a book beyond a tutorial) and perhaps more on the relevance and history. For example, Williams mentions in her introduction that a modern reader might have a different image of the gardens described in Austen's books due to a slight shift in how names are used in modern times. I would have loved to hear and see more of that - you have a lovely illustrator at hand and while the book is full of them, they were more pretty than practical. I'd have love illustrations actually highlighting of what it would have looked like as the author had already raised this issue.
May 5, 2025
This book needed another round of editing. Molly Williams repeats herself a lot. If she hadn't repeated herself so much, she could have gone deeper into the meanings of the plants and how Jane Austen uses them in her books. There is only superficial discussion of the language of flowers and plants. The gardening glossary in the back is useful. The sections on each plant are fine but still superficial. I think I learned more about gardening from reading various annotated editions of Jane Austen's works than I did in a book dedicated to the topic. This proves my point that she didn't need a longer book, just stronger writing. There are also no proper citations or works cited pages. I did like hearing about the modern conservation efforts. Her attempts at incorporating quotes from the book and explaining their context confused me because I don't think some of the scenarios played out the way she describes them. It's sloppy.
February 25, 2025
A perfect gift book for any Janeite who also loves gardens. The illustrations are glorious and I learned so much about the many gardens that figured in Austen's famed novels. I absolutely loved it!
April 5, 2025
The illustrations by Jessica Roux are charmingly beautiful, as always. Unfortunately much of the book felt like the author had a page minimum requirement to fill and she did that with arts and crafts (without photos or a good enough explanation).
The description of the book sounded like it would be more botanical - putting these plants into the context of Jane’s actual world. By “context” what was meant was sharing passages of Jane’s own writing with the specific plant names in bold. Excellent idea, not great execution.
The description of the book sounded like it would be more botanical - putting these plants into the context of Jane’s actual world. By “context” what was meant was sharing passages of Jane’s own writing with the specific plant names in bold. Excellent idea, not great execution.
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April 8, 2025the content of this book includes passages from jane austen novels, instructions on historic decorations (e.g., posy, pomander), brief history of each plant. i enjoyed it much more than i expected, and makes me want to see ren fairs even more. now i can't believe that i have never read any jane austen and would like to start. (one felt as though one had already become acquainted with the stories through a sort of intellectual osmosis and their many adaptations.) i appreciate this book notes any nomenclature in the novels that differs from today's usage.
2 fun facts:
grapes in Georgian and Regency England (wealthy households) "were used to create massive, sometimes table-long centerpieces, to which guests would help themselves."
there's a type of 'invisible' fence called ha-ha, aka sunken fence, blind fence, or deer wall.
snack read 24 of 2025
2 fun facts:
grapes in Georgian and Regency England (wealthy households) "were used to create massive, sometimes table-long centerpieces, to which guests would help themselves."
there's a type of 'invisible' fence called ha-ha, aka sunken fence, blind fence, or deer wall.
snack read 24 of 2025
February 25, 2025
This lovely little book will either thrill or disappoint, depending on what the reader hopes to find between its pages. A gathering of Austen quotations, plant descriptions, garden design, and crafts, it has a little for everyone but perhaps not enough of any one subject to suit some readers.
After the introduction there is a timeline of Austen's life and writings. The chapters that follow cover Flower Gardens, Kitchen Gardens, The Conservatory, Parkland, and Hedgerows. Information about her life is mixed with quotes from her novels, descriptions of plants, and background details on gardens of the time. Spaced throughout the text are also instructions on how to make crafts that were popular in Austen's time or reflect her life in some way.
I was hoping for an examination of the role gardens play in the books, for instance, as places where heroines discover their feelings for the heroes, but this wasn't that type of book. Nothing was talked about in depth. Instead, this has the feel of a coffee table book that you pick up now and then to fill a quiet moment or savor the illustrations. And those illustrations, by Jessica Roux, are lovely. The colors are soft, with a lot of greens and other natural shades. The text, not as smooth as I would like, is absolutely enhanced by them.
The crafts are varied and creative. I was especially interested in making wax flowers and lavender water. The more adventurous might like to try the instructions for brewing Sloe Gin.
There's an illustrated glossary at the back. I doubt anyone needs to have "gardener" defined, but the entries include more information about each item in the Regency era, and shouldn't be skipped. I especially appreciated the illustrations of a ha-ha and shrubberies.
All in all, this isn't for the Janeite who wants a deep dive into Austen's work. It is the perfect book for those with even a casual interest in Austen and her times who like to dabble in different crafts, including plants, or who enjoy looking at lovely garden books and dreaming. I'm giving it 4 stars because it does what it set out to do well, it just may not be what every reader wants from the title.
Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book for review.
After the introduction there is a timeline of Austen's life and writings. The chapters that follow cover Flower Gardens, Kitchen Gardens, The Conservatory, Parkland, and Hedgerows. Information about her life is mixed with quotes from her novels, descriptions of plants, and background details on gardens of the time. Spaced throughout the text are also instructions on how to make crafts that were popular in Austen's time or reflect her life in some way.
I was hoping for an examination of the role gardens play in the books, for instance, as places where heroines discover their feelings for the heroes, but this wasn't that type of book. Nothing was talked about in depth. Instead, this has the feel of a coffee table book that you pick up now and then to fill a quiet moment or savor the illustrations. And those illustrations, by Jessica Roux, are lovely. The colors are soft, with a lot of greens and other natural shades. The text, not as smooth as I would like, is absolutely enhanced by them.
The crafts are varied and creative. I was especially interested in making wax flowers and lavender water. The more adventurous might like to try the instructions for brewing Sloe Gin.
There's an illustrated glossary at the back. I doubt anyone needs to have "gardener" defined, but the entries include more information about each item in the Regency era, and shouldn't be skipped. I especially appreciated the illustrations of a ha-ha and shrubberies.
All in all, this isn't for the Janeite who wants a deep dive into Austen's work. It is the perfect book for those with even a casual interest in Austen and her times who like to dabble in different crafts, including plants, or who enjoy looking at lovely garden books and dreaming. I'm giving it 4 stars because it does what it set out to do well, it just may not be what every reader wants from the title.
Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book for review.
March 26, 2025
A neat concept. Pretty book with lovely illustrations. I like the inclusion of crafts. But I'm afraid the Austen references are just incredibly sloppy. Louisa never eavesdrops on Anne and Wentworth, Mary Crawford as her cousin is possibly Fanny Price's worst nightmare (beyond even acting), the aunts do NOT scold Fanny for cutting roses because they told her to do it and it was Mrs. Norris who made her go back for the key... etc, etc, etc... ARRRRGH.
March 1, 2025
This book is beautifully presented with information about each plant, excerpts from Jane's writing that mentions the plant, and some crafts and activities themed to the content of the book. It didn't add to my understanding of Jane's novels, but if you are interested in the visual landscapes of the regency era, this book will be for you
February 27, 2025
What a beautiful book. The illustrations are so wonderful. As an Austen fan, I really enjoyed learning about the flora and fauna of the time, and there are so many adorable DIY craft projects. I really enjoyed these!
The layout of the book really lends itself to be enjoyed in sections rather than in one go.
It would make a beautiful gift for an Austen fan!
Thanks to NetGalley and Molly Williams for allowing me to access this book!
The layout of the book really lends itself to be enjoyed in sections rather than in one go.
It would make a beautiful gift for an Austen fan!
Thanks to NetGalley and Molly Williams for allowing me to access this book!
April 1, 2025
I am going to London and wanted to obtain knowledge regarding English Gardens. This book was well researched and very informative regarding the details that go into an English Garden. The illustrations were lovely. The author even gave instructions to make various crafts and recipes that would have been used during Jane Austen's time.
May 19, 2025
This is a beautiful book! The illustrations are gorgeous, and the writing is fluid. I love the different craft ideas and how each plant connects in some way with Jane and her stories. Although there is a lot of information it's not wordy at all. The description of each plant is only 1-2 pages which is a perfect length in my opinion. This is definitely something to have in your book collection.
July 2, 2025
This book is perfect for those who are avid fans of Jane Austen and also enjoy nature and gardening.
Very enjoyable. I especially like the nature craft and project instructions.
Very enjoyable. I especially like the nature craft and project instructions.
April 28, 2025
Absolutely beautiful and informative book. A treasure of gardening secrets, projects, literary connection, and everyday Austen tidbits.
April 14, 2025
Beautiful book! I particularly liked the tree section. Wasn't terribly interested in diy/craft parts. Definitely keeping for my All Things Austen shelf.
February 14, 2025
ARC review
this is my opinion of this book in all honesty
this was such a beautiful/cozy read!!! I love every single thing about this book!! the colors, the language used, the art style, the topics, the fonts, literally every single thing!!! which wasn't expected to be honest as I don't like Jane Austen's books that much. If you love plants, cozy slow-paced books, Jane Austen, and Illustrated books, you'll definitely love this!
this is my opinion of this book in all honesty
this was such a beautiful/cozy read!!! I love every single thing about this book!! the colors, the language used, the art style, the topics, the fonts, literally every single thing!!! which wasn't expected to be honest as I don't like Jane Austen's books that much. If you love plants, cozy slow-paced books, Jane Austen, and Illustrated books, you'll definitely love this!
February 28, 2025
As a country girl and a fan of Jane Austen I felt this book was written for people like me. If anything my Instagram feed is proof of how much I adore gardens and flowers and woodlands. Jane Austen books showcase a love for such spaces from providing a place to our heroines away from families to providing a beautiful literary atmosphere for the reader. This book is a beautiful journey through the botanical characters of Austen's books. The language and phrasing in the book is so beautiful perfect homage to Austen. Coming to illustrations, they are beautiful and elegant, elevating and complimenting the book in the most beautiful way.
The book has plants mentioned in the Jane Austen books and gives us a brief history of how the plants and trees came to England and my favourite part was things you can make with them, from lavender water and natural dye, to designing a possy bouquet. Also it has tips on growing some of the mentioned plants like strawberries and potatoes.
This is a beautiful book both in all ways the writing, the cover and the illustrations. 4❤️/5
Thank you to netgalley for providing me the review copy in exchange for an honest review.
The book has plants mentioned in the Jane Austen books and gives us a brief history of how the plants and trees came to England and my favourite part was things you can make with them, from lavender water and natural dye, to designing a possy bouquet. Also it has tips on growing some of the mentioned plants like strawberries and potatoes.
This is a beautiful book both in all ways the writing, the cover and the illustrations. 4❤️/5
Thank you to netgalley for providing me the review copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2025
This is a charming little glimpse into the horticulture of Jane Austen’s time- with not only references to her beloved writings, but also historical anecdotes about the plants and their uses. Jane’s personal history is also woven throughout. For example, a short page discusses Jane’s family’s kitchen garden at Chawton, before the book begins diving into details about cabbage, currants and other fruits and veggies. The book also advises on how best to cultivate said produce. It’s a basic book, yes, but it’s handy!
*If only the brilliant Mr. Collin’s’ potato line was actually in the book, but sadly, no and so of course don’t expect to see it here*
The book is not an in depth history lesson, but would be a really lovely gift for a devotee of Ms. Austen, or an Anglophile, like myself. I will absolutely be adding this book to my coffee table collection.
Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McMeel for this arc, in exchange for my unbiased review!
*If only the brilliant Mr. Collin’s’ potato line was actually in the book, but sadly, no and so of course don’t expect to see it here*
The book is not an in depth history lesson, but would be a really lovely gift for a devotee of Ms. Austen, or an Anglophile, like myself. I will absolutely be adding this book to my coffee table collection.
Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McMeel for this arc, in exchange for my unbiased review!
Read
February 24, 2025The part of the title ‘A Classic Botanical Tour of the Classic Novels’ is the best way to describe this book. It explains different aspects of gardens and different landscaping in the Regency era that were mentioned in Jane Austin’s books.
The author makes connections between gardens, parklands, conservatories etc. in relation to the social status & wealth of the era that Jane would have perceived and experienced.
Overall, I found it could have used something more in-depth. Possibly how these gardens influenced Austins’ writing e.g. like Emily Dickinson's Gardening Life: The Plants and Places That Inspired the Iconic Poet
#JaneAustensGarden #NetGalley
Thank you Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.
The author makes connections between gardens, parklands, conservatories etc. in relation to the social status & wealth of the era that Jane would have perceived and experienced.
Overall, I found it could have used something more in-depth. Possibly how these gardens influenced Austins’ writing e.g. like Emily Dickinson's Gardening Life: The Plants and Places That Inspired the Iconic Poet
#JaneAustensGarden #NetGalley
Thank you Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.
November 23, 2025
Not only a reference to plants mentioned in Jane Austen novels, this is an overview of gardening in England during the Georgian and Regency eras. As a native plant enthusiast myself, I was most interested in the author’s descriptions and histories of particular plants. This was the period when exotic plants were introduced to display high social status. Some of the introduced plants escaped gardens to become invasive. Some English natives are now endangered. Some of the natives listed were introduced to America and are now invasive where I live, threatening our native species. Intriguing to learn more about how plants were used and valued, and influences from the Romans to later Italian and French designs, and uniquely English styles.
May 29, 2025
I adore Jessica Roux’s illustrations, and I knew I would love the book but I was so appreciative of the depth of research. Not just where this plant was mentioned in which books but what varieties existed in England at that time, how they were landscaped (or not), what they were used for, how they arrived in England if they weren’t native, and here is a DIY project using said plant to Austenify your life. Dear Reader, this is an Austenite’s dream. You simply must get a copy.
July 23, 2025
3.75 stars
March 19, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrew McMeel Publishing for the free e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was very excited to get my hands on this one, I just loved the concept! Through illustration and writing, it offers a garden tour of famed nineteenth century gardens and their fictional counterparts. I especially enjoyed the conservatory and parkland sections.
I think this would be a beautiful gift for an Austen fan with an interest in gardening. It’s very accessible but perhaps a little too broad for any Janeite’s or avid gardeners. Don’t miss the illustrated glossary, it’s as gorgeous as it is useful.
I was very excited to get my hands on this one, I just loved the concept! Through illustration and writing, it offers a garden tour of famed nineteenth century gardens and their fictional counterparts. I especially enjoyed the conservatory and parkland sections.
I think this would be a beautiful gift for an Austen fan with an interest in gardening. It’s very accessible but perhaps a little too broad for any Janeite’s or avid gardeners. Don’t miss the illustrated glossary, it’s as gorgeous as it is useful.
March 1, 2025
5/5 Stars - A Lush, Thoughtful Exploration of Austen’s World Through the Lens of Nature
*ARC provided via NetGalley*
Jane Austen's Garden: A Botanical Tour of the Classic Novels by Molly Williams is a unique and thoroughly captivating book that will appeal to both Jane Austen devotees and garden enthusiasts. Williams does an extraordinary job of weaving together Austen’s rich literary world with the beauty and symbolism of gardens, plants, and flowers—elements that played an important role in her novels and the broader context of Regency-era society.
From the very first page, readers are drawn into an elegant exploration of how gardens and horticultural practices were woven into the fabric of Austen’s storytelling. Williams offers fascinating insights into the gardens that featured in the novels, such as the famous “leafy walks” in Pride and Prejudice, and explains how these settings not only reflected the social dynamics of the time but also underscored the moral and emotional landscapes of the characters. For example, the rose garden in Sense and Sensibility becomes a symbol of love, loss, and healing, while the labyrinthine garden in Northanger Abbey mirrors the heroine's confusion and her journey toward self-discovery.
One of the most delightful aspects of the book is how it connects specific plants, flowers, and garden elements to the characters and themes of Austen’s novels. For instance, the meticulous cultivation of a formal garden is paralleled with the social structures of the time, where appearances and propriety were paramount. Williams masterfully examines how these elements were not just decorative but deeply reflective of the internal states of Austen's characters. Gardens, in Austen’s world, are where private conversations and revelations take place, often offering a backdrop for important emotional developments.
The book is broken down into chapters dedicated to different types of gardens, from the wild, overgrown hedgerows of Mansfield Park to the more restrained and formal gardens of Emma. This structure allows Williams to dive deeply into the specifics of each garden type while linking them to broader historical gardening trends and the social conditions of the early 19th century. Each chapter includes an analysis of a particular plant or flower featured in the novel, often accompanied by historical context, cultural significance, and how that specific plant mirrored or enhanced the characters’ journey.
But Jane Austen's Garden is not just an academic treatise—it’s a beautifully designed and accessible book. The illustrations by Jessica Roux are absolutely stunning, capturing the essence of Regency gardens with vibrant and detailed artwork. The botanical drawings alone are worth the price of the book, as they bring the world of Jane Austen to life in full color, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the historical beauty of the era.
One of the most unique and charming aspects of the book is the inclusion of "Cultivating Jane" sections—practical gardening tips and projects inspired by the novel's themes. These hands-on activities, such as creating your own lavender sachets or constructing a simple Regency-style flower arrangement, make the book interactive and personal. It invites readers to not only appreciate the beauty of Austen's world but to actively participate in bringing that beauty into their own homes. For those who enjoy gardening or simply love to experiment with DIY projects, these sections provide an added layer of connection to the text and its historical context.
What makes Jane Austen's Garden especially remarkable is the depth of research Williams has done. Her understanding of both Austen’s novels and the history of Regency horticulture is evident in the way she effortlessly links the two. The book is educational yet never dry or overly academic—it’s a captivating exploration that both entertains and informs. Williams’ writing is accessible and filled with warm, engaging language, ensuring that even readers without a background in gardening or historical studies can easily follow along and enjoy the journey.
The layout and design of the book are also exceptional. The typography, the soft color palette, and the inclusion of historical anecdotes create an immersive reading experience. This is a book that feels as much like an experience as it does a piece of literary scholarship. It’s the perfect addition to any Austen collection, but it also stands alone as a beautiful and thoughtful meditation on the power of nature, beauty, and the written word.
In conclusion, Jane Austen's Garden is a delightful and thoroughly enriching read. It not only provides new insights into Austen’s works but also invites readers to engage with her world in a tactile and meaningful way. Whether you’re a lifelong Jane Austen fan or a newcomer to her novels, this book is an essential addition to your library. It’s an elegant, informative, and beautifully crafted work that brings the lushness of Austen’s literary landscapes to life—both through the written word and through the beauty of nature.
*ARC provided via NetGalley*
Jane Austen's Garden: A Botanical Tour of the Classic Novels by Molly Williams is a unique and thoroughly captivating book that will appeal to both Jane Austen devotees and garden enthusiasts. Williams does an extraordinary job of weaving together Austen’s rich literary world with the beauty and symbolism of gardens, plants, and flowers—elements that played an important role in her novels and the broader context of Regency-era society.
From the very first page, readers are drawn into an elegant exploration of how gardens and horticultural practices were woven into the fabric of Austen’s storytelling. Williams offers fascinating insights into the gardens that featured in the novels, such as the famous “leafy walks” in Pride and Prejudice, and explains how these settings not only reflected the social dynamics of the time but also underscored the moral and emotional landscapes of the characters. For example, the rose garden in Sense and Sensibility becomes a symbol of love, loss, and healing, while the labyrinthine garden in Northanger Abbey mirrors the heroine's confusion and her journey toward self-discovery.
One of the most delightful aspects of the book is how it connects specific plants, flowers, and garden elements to the characters and themes of Austen’s novels. For instance, the meticulous cultivation of a formal garden is paralleled with the social structures of the time, where appearances and propriety were paramount. Williams masterfully examines how these elements were not just decorative but deeply reflective of the internal states of Austen's characters. Gardens, in Austen’s world, are where private conversations and revelations take place, often offering a backdrop for important emotional developments.
The book is broken down into chapters dedicated to different types of gardens, from the wild, overgrown hedgerows of Mansfield Park to the more restrained and formal gardens of Emma. This structure allows Williams to dive deeply into the specifics of each garden type while linking them to broader historical gardening trends and the social conditions of the early 19th century. Each chapter includes an analysis of a particular plant or flower featured in the novel, often accompanied by historical context, cultural significance, and how that specific plant mirrored or enhanced the characters’ journey.
But Jane Austen's Garden is not just an academic treatise—it’s a beautifully designed and accessible book. The illustrations by Jessica Roux are absolutely stunning, capturing the essence of Regency gardens with vibrant and detailed artwork. The botanical drawings alone are worth the price of the book, as they bring the world of Jane Austen to life in full color, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the historical beauty of the era.
One of the most unique and charming aspects of the book is the inclusion of "Cultivating Jane" sections—practical gardening tips and projects inspired by the novel's themes. These hands-on activities, such as creating your own lavender sachets or constructing a simple Regency-style flower arrangement, make the book interactive and personal. It invites readers to not only appreciate the beauty of Austen's world but to actively participate in bringing that beauty into their own homes. For those who enjoy gardening or simply love to experiment with DIY projects, these sections provide an added layer of connection to the text and its historical context.
What makes Jane Austen's Garden especially remarkable is the depth of research Williams has done. Her understanding of both Austen’s novels and the history of Regency horticulture is evident in the way she effortlessly links the two. The book is educational yet never dry or overly academic—it’s a captivating exploration that both entertains and informs. Williams’ writing is accessible and filled with warm, engaging language, ensuring that even readers without a background in gardening or historical studies can easily follow along and enjoy the journey.
The layout and design of the book are also exceptional. The typography, the soft color palette, and the inclusion of historical anecdotes create an immersive reading experience. This is a book that feels as much like an experience as it does a piece of literary scholarship. It’s the perfect addition to any Austen collection, but it also stands alone as a beautiful and thoughtful meditation on the power of nature, beauty, and the written word.
In conclusion, Jane Austen's Garden is a delightful and thoroughly enriching read. It not only provides new insights into Austen’s works but also invites readers to engage with her world in a tactile and meaningful way. Whether you’re a lifelong Jane Austen fan or a newcomer to her novels, this book is an essential addition to your library. It’s an elegant, informative, and beautifully crafted work that brings the lushness of Austen’s literary landscapes to life—both through the written word and through the beauty of nature.
February 15, 2025
2.5 stars- Unfortunately I think I was the wrong audience for this book. I'm a big fan of Jane Austen and love learning about the history of how people lived in different times, so I thought that this book with a botany focus would be a great fit for me. Unfortunately, I think that this book is better as an object than as something to read.
The book is divided into sections, beginning with a lot of info about Austen, and then context, informations, and activities for flora that would be found in various locations in regency life, with quotes from Austen to contextualize the choices of plants that are included. Unfortunately, though there were many illustrations, most of the entries didn't have corresponding illustrations, and some of the illustrations didn't obviously correspond to a specific entry. The plants were often a very incidental part of the quotations referenced, and the author reuses one of the quotes (to talk about two different plants that are both referenced) without acknowledging that it was something we had seen before.
The transitions between information to activities within sections also didn't make a ton of sense. They came in different orders in different sections and I couldn't figure out why they were ordered as they were. My favorite part was the glossary at the end where the author defined common garden terms of the regency era and there were a lot of illustrations to explain what the terms meant.
I was reading a digital copy of the book so I can't speak to the physical experience, but based on other reviews and the attractive illustrations, I do think this is likely a nice book for a gardener who likes to read to keep on a coffee table to be flipped through, but I do not recommend it to be read as a text.
Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing for the advance review copy.
The book is divided into sections, beginning with a lot of info about Austen, and then context, informations, and activities for flora that would be found in various locations in regency life, with quotes from Austen to contextualize the choices of plants that are included. Unfortunately, though there were many illustrations, most of the entries didn't have corresponding illustrations, and some of the illustrations didn't obviously correspond to a specific entry. The plants were often a very incidental part of the quotations referenced, and the author reuses one of the quotes (to talk about two different plants that are both referenced) without acknowledging that it was something we had seen before.
The transitions between information to activities within sections also didn't make a ton of sense. They came in different orders in different sections and I couldn't figure out why they were ordered as they were. My favorite part was the glossary at the end where the author defined common garden terms of the regency era and there were a lot of illustrations to explain what the terms meant.
I was reading a digital copy of the book so I can't speak to the physical experience, but based on other reviews and the attractive illustrations, I do think this is likely a nice book for a gardener who likes to read to keep on a coffee table to be flipped through, but I do not recommend it to be read as a text.
Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing for the advance review copy.
November 10, 2025
Author Molly Williams, a fan of Jane Austen’s novels, has created a book examining the fruits, trees and flowers that are mentioned in Austen’s works and letters to family.
Using small excerpts from all of Austen’s novels and some of her letters, Williams highlights a flower, fruit or tree, then discusses its features, and the history of its cultivation or import into England, often coinciding with exploration and invasion/conquests of new territories for the British Empire, or in some cases, harkening back to Roman times (another invasion, of course). The plants are also considered for their edible or decorative qualities, and how Regency gardeners learned to maintain some of these in greenhouses. Williams also explains that some of the plants were served at meals, or decorated tables, or were placed in gardens, and how the use of these plants served as an unspoken way to indicate wealth.
Each plant discussed is accompanied by a beautifully rendered illustration by Jessica Roux, and Williams also provides instructions on creating items from plants that Regency gentry would have used in their homes and gardens, such as wreaths, place settings, topiaries, sloe gin, and dyes.
The glossary at the back also gives explanations for horticultural terms, my favourite being the ha-ha, a sunken fence used to create a barrier for roaming animals, but which also maintains a vista for people enjoying the garden.
This is an informative and interesting book for those Austen lovers who want a way to learn about some of the greenery surrounding her characters, and those Austen herself would have encountered in the different places she lived and visited.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Andrews McMeel Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Using small excerpts from all of Austen’s novels and some of her letters, Williams highlights a flower, fruit or tree, then discusses its features, and the history of its cultivation or import into England, often coinciding with exploration and invasion/conquests of new territories for the British Empire, or in some cases, harkening back to Roman times (another invasion, of course). The plants are also considered for their edible or decorative qualities, and how Regency gardeners learned to maintain some of these in greenhouses. Williams also explains that some of the plants were served at meals, or decorated tables, or were placed in gardens, and how the use of these plants served as an unspoken way to indicate wealth.
Each plant discussed is accompanied by a beautifully rendered illustration by Jessica Roux, and Williams also provides instructions on creating items from plants that Regency gentry would have used in their homes and gardens, such as wreaths, place settings, topiaries, sloe gin, and dyes.
The glossary at the back also gives explanations for horticultural terms, my favourite being the ha-ha, a sunken fence used to create a barrier for roaming animals, but which also maintains a vista for people enjoying the garden.
This is an informative and interesting book for those Austen lovers who want a way to learn about some of the greenery surrounding her characters, and those Austen herself would have encountered in the different places she lived and visited.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Andrews McMeel Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my review.
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