A Short History of Flowers: The Stories that Make Our Gardens

by Advolly Richmond

Garden and social historian Advolly Richmond (of  Gardener’s World ) unravels the surprising histories of 60 flowers that shape our gardens.

Have you ever wondered where your favourite garden flowers came from? Where their names derived? Or why some cultivars go in and out of favor? Every flower in your herbaceous border has a story, and in this book Advolly Richmond takes you on a tour of the most intriguing, surprising and enriching ones.

Tales of exploration, everlasting love and bravery bring these beautiful flowers to life. Advolly has dug down to uncover the royalty, scholars, pioneers and a smuggler or two that have all played a part in discovering and cultivating some of our favourite species. From the lavish and exotic bougainvillea, found by an 18th century female botanist in disguise to the humble but majestic snowdrop casting a spell and causing a frenzy. These plants have played pivotal roles in our societies, from boom to bust economies, promises of riches, and making fashion statements. These unassuming blooms hold treasure troves of stories.  
  
With specially commissioned artworks from award-winning botanical illustrator Sarah Jane Humphrey, which sumptuously bring each flower to life – this is a beautiful compendium for every garden lover.


 

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, History, Gardening, Horticulture

208 pages, Hardcover

Published March 5, 2024

Reviews

[elizabeth rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many readers will find the flowers in this book familiar and dear to their hearts. These flowers could be the ones you grew in your childhood garden, the ones you saw at your grandparents' house, or the ones you currently have in your own garden.

Flowers have always held a significant place in our society, and have been present at many significant times in our lives, such as celebrating marriages, commemorating births, and marking the passing of loved ones.

The author encourages us to ask ourselves this question: How often do we stop and think about how these plants came to be here and why? What is their story?

Our gardens are full of history.
Let’s discover it.

-
This book is beautifully illustrated, with lovely prose that is both engaging and informative. The author has done a wonderful job, and has written a beautiful book. I loved every minute of reading it.

ARC provided by Edelweiss.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely gorgeous book about flowers, their origins and how some of them became a staple plant in our gardens. I love my garden and there are some plants I remember from my childhood that my Mum would grow and others that would only be seen in specialist gardens. Now, plants are more accessible and there is even more choice and variety with hybrids and new designs.

The author is a well-known face on the TV show Gardeners World and she has chosen some of the ones that have a story behind them, it could be a love story or a lonely expedition, but it is a story of how they became a favourite in our gardens.

This is a gorgeous book and one that has stunning illustrations of the flowers, the illustrations are the sort you would find in older horticultural books rather than the showy photographs that we now have. There are also black line illustrations scattered throughout that correspond to a story or tell about a naturalist.

I adore this book and it is one you can sit and read cover to cover, or just flick through. It is a treasure trove of facts, stories and trivia and is one for fans of horticulture, gardening and flowers. It is one I would definitely recommend.

[Marghe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book collecting interesting facts and surprising stories behind some garden flowers written by the plants and gardens historian Advolly Richmond, accompanied by some beautiful illustrations made by the botanical illustrator Sarah Jane Humphrey. Such a pleasant and relaxing reading, highly recommended!

[LindaPf · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a perfect book to review when it’s below freezing outside and everything is covered in snow! Author Richmond has done an incredible amount of research on 60 mostly well-known flowering plants, following their origins, their original uses in herbology (if any), their ultimate travels to the UK and beyond, their crazy names before Latin taxonomy was utilized and their sometimes strange stories and literary references. I never knew my snapdragons had supernatural powers.

I think every gardener looks at a flower and thinks of the personal relationship she has with the plant: that her grandmother grew it, or a neighbor claims these irises were transported by pioneers from English estates, or where she bought it from, or whether it has flourished where she used to live but no longer in this current climate. Richmond’s book adds more stories and depth to each flower and as well how cultivation has made some the bane of some gardeners (flourishing too well and getting put on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act or the American States’ individual Toxic Plant lists). Looking at you, Nepeta — my weed, your flower; or Rhododendron an English villain that I wished I could get to survive in my soil.

There’s an easy to use index so you can find a particular familiar plant immediately and then read through the stories of the others. I was amazed that the protea, an exotic plant known currently in Hawaii and South Africa, was an exclusively popular plant in Northern Europe, gifted to only royalty before interest (and the adapted species) died out. References are primarily to United Kingdom stories, but an educated American gardener will still recognize each species and the flowers that have crossed the pond, like American wisteria.

The botanical illustrations by Sarah Jane Humphrey are beautiful and yet simple enough to show the most recognizable samples. A selected bibliography will add to your journey among this garden and the index highlights the botanists and horticulturalists mentioned.

This will make a beautiful gift to any gardener who also loves to read about the history of floriculture. 5 stars!

Thank you to White Lion/Quarto Publishing and NetGalley for a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Kelly Hodgkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a voracious learner, it was a delight to tuck into this book full of interesting floral anecdotes and histories. There is no need to know about each of the selected flowers but there is joy in finding out. Each flower has its own section with a brief history and its name origin. These lovely little tidbits are interesting and easy to digest. The illustrations are beautiful. It’s a five out of five on the enjoyment scale!

[NJB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely short histories of many well/known & some lesser known varietals.

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit that I do not know half of the flowers herein, but reading and learning about their history made this such a treat. It was a treat reading about the common jasmine, lillies, tulips and also the marigold which I have seen in our gardens mostly.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just beautiful. The anrt of the flowers is just beautiful. I feel like I could put them all in frames and give them as a present or make a memory wall from them. I would get this book as a coffee table book for an avid lover of flowers. Being able to see them and read what they are like was beautiful and brought back many memories. I like the little stories that go along with each flower and what kind of history they have.
Beautiful book!

Thank you to NetGalley for this wonderful ARC of flowers,🌸

[Richard Derus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4* of five

The Publisher Says: Garden and social historian Advolly Richmond (of Gardener’s World) unravels the surprising histories of 60 flowers that shape our gardens.

Have you ever wondered where your favourite garden flowers came from? Where their names derived? Or why some cultivars go in and out of favor? Every flower in your herbaceous border has a story, and in this book Advolly Richmond takes you on a tour of the most intriguing, surprising and enriching ones.

Tales of exploration, everlasting love and bravery bring these beautiful flowers to life. Advolly has dug down to uncover the royalty, scholars, pioneers and a smuggler or two that have all played a part in discovering and cultivating some of our favourite species. From the lavish and exotic bougainvillea, found by an 18th century female botanist in disguise to the humble but majestic snowdrop casting a spell and causing a frenzy. These plants have played pivotal roles in our societies, from boom to bust economies, promises of riches, and making fashion statements. These unassuming blooms hold treasure troves of stories.

With specially commissioned artworks from award-winning botanical illustrator Sarah Jane Humphrey, which sumptuously bring each flower to life – this is a beautiful compendium for every garden lover.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.

My Review: I needed something uncomplicatedly pretty. I expect y’all do, too.



There. Springtime sorted.

Of course, this being Reality, there are no uncomplicated pleasures. The stories of how your favorite flowers got to your garden is tied up with colonialism, capitalism, and the endless intertwining of greed and ownership between them.

Advolly Richmond does a far more deft job of making the connections than I have. She had a lot more room than I did:

This table of contents is like a really good garden’s plan, expansive and filled with beautiful sights. Richmond’s expertise is writing about the domesticated plants we adorn our built environment with, aka gardening. She has practiced the craft long enough to have honed her execution of it into art.

The fact that I myownself find the flower-gardening madness that so many of y’all suffer from inexplicable, and the money y’all lavish on it borderline obscene, does not mean I do not see and appreciate the beauty of the plants themselves.

I still think that the water, fertilizer, and hours of labor *should* be spent on growing vegetables.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Short History of Flowers: The Stories that Make Our Gardens by Advolly Richmond - A Must-Read for Garden Enthusiasts

Rating: 5 Stars

If you're a lover of gardens, flowers, or simply enjoy fascinating stories, "A Short History of Flowers" by Advolly Richmond is a book that deserves a place on your bookshelf. In this captivating work, garden and social historian Advolly Richmond delves into the enchanting histories of 60 flowers that have left an indelible mark on our gardens.

Richmond's exploration takes readers on a journey through time, uncovering the origins, names, and intriguing tales behind beloved garden flowers. From the exotic bougainvillea stumbled upon by a daring 18th-century botanist to the charming snowdrop that has captivated hearts for centuries, each flower is brought to life through stories of exploration, love, and courage.

One of the standout features of this book is the stunning artwork by award-winning botanical illustrator Sarah Jane Humphrey. The illustrations beautifully complement Richmond's narratives, making each flower leap off the page and into the reader's imagination.

Personally, I was drawn in by the book's exquisite cover and the wealth of knowledge it contains. It's not just a book about flowers; it's a treasure trove of history, culture, and human ingenuity. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, "A Short History of Flowers" is a delightful read that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the flowers that grace our gardens. This book would make a thoughtful gift for anyone with a green thumb or a passion for botanical wonders.

In conclusion, "A Short History of Flowers" is a delightful blend of storytelling, history, and art that will enchant readers of all ages. Advolly Richmond has crafted a masterpiece that celebrates the enduring allure of flowers and the profound impact they have had on our lives. This book is a true gem that deserves a special place in every garden lover's collection.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Venetia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.

“A Short History of Flowers” offers readers an enlightening exploration into the stories that are embedded in the origins of plants. Advolly is a renowned garden historian, and this comes across throughout the book, which is well-researched and utterly absorbing. “A Short History of Flowers” makes botanical history approachable for everyone, and the illustrations throughout are beautiful. The organisation of the book by Latin taxonomical names might make this book a little more difficult to access for someone who wants to look for a specific plant but doesn’t know its Latin name, but other than that, this book is very good.

Entries about the flowers themselves are illuminating, revealing interesting facts about how plants came by their names, interesting stories and historical facts linked to the plants, and how the flowers have been used and viewed throughout history. No section ever feels too long, and each section managed to hold my interest, throughout the entire book.

I would highly recommend "A Short History of Flowers" to anyone interested in history, botany, or cultural studies. It's a compelling read that offers a unique lens through which to view our world and its past. Its accessibility makes it suitable for both casual readers and those with a more academic interest in the subject.

Overall, "A Short History of Flowers" is a testament to Richmond’s skill in bringing to life the vibrant and often overlooked history of flowers. It's a book that not only educates, but also inspires a deeper appreciation for the natural world and its enduring influence on our history.

[Megz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The gardening community has always felt inaccessible to me. Sure, I grew up watering gardens with my gran and my parents (all green-fingered), but when it came to visiting nurseries when I am older, with my own garden, and asking for advice on certain plants or their care, I’ve always felt like the (mostly older) gardening aficionados didn’t think I deserved their advice, didn’t think I might be a “real” gardener. Whether that aloofness was real or imagined, it was certainly perceived.

So anyway. I find myself talking plants with friends and family, reading modern gardening books, and trying to dispel this odd kind of gardening impostor syndrome.

Enter: A Short History of Flowers - a book that just-just tickled my interest. I suspected that as a South African, I might not really know most of the plants mentioned in the book. That I might not quite… relate.

I’m probably familiar with about half of the plants, but the real beauty is the fascinating histories - and perspectives - unearthed by the author. Colonial histories are interrogated. The results of transcontinental transport of plants are discussed. The exclusion of non-white, non-traditional gardeners and botanists and naturalists is highlighted, and many of those finally find a place where their names are honoured.

I enjoyed A Short History of Plants so much more than I expected, and I fully intend to purchase it for my coffee table.

Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group and Netgalley for providing an eARC.

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow! this book is genuinely the definition of a passion project. when i tell people “i hope i find something that i care about enough that i would write a book about it,” THIS IS WHAT I MEAN! i found this book so charming and easy to understand. it was a quick, segmented read with every “chapter,” or description of each flower’s history, being only a page or two of text plus gorgeous illustrations of all of the flowers.

this book takes a deeper dive into the history of 60 well-known flowers, sharing the stories behind their rise to fame. some of these flowers have well-documented histories that go back thousands of years, others came up as recently as last year, and some remain clouded with a bit of uncertainty. the stories were so variable and constantly grabbed my attention. they included topics of discovery, species naming (there are a surprisingly large number of flowers named after people’s wives), royal families, art history, war, mythology, world travel, and more. my absolute favorite story was a short, but memorable one of a variant flower color that played the ultimate prank on a breeder by refusing to appear for him, but popping up randomly in the garden of an angry customer.

you may like this book if you enjoy books about
1.) nature
2.) botany
3.) history

thank you to NetGalley and Advolley Richmond for early access to this book, plus a huge kudos to Sarah Jane Humphrey for the beautiful illustrations. it was all very lovely :)

[Sanjana Datla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations for the flowers in this book are wonderfully rendered and actually useful. The little histories that accompany each flower were very insightful. I liked how the author made a point to highlight women's contributions to botany and the migrations of plants over the years. I do wish the author would have gone further and tried to include the local or native common names of the flowers. While the book is called 'A Short History of Flowers', it would have been more apt to call it 'A Short History of Flowers of the English Garden', since the book does center the British and European audience. The individual floral histories only begin at the time of their discovery by European explorers and often focus on how the flowers gained popularity in the West, as opposed to their significance elsewhere.
I still do appreciate books such as this that can take something as simple as a forgotten English Garden and weave a tale that loops in the Age of Exploration, Imperialism and Colonization, Royal family histories, the insider scoop of the gardening and botanist community, and much more.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fascinating mini compendium!

This book is great for any gardener, botanist, or general lover of flowers who wants to dive a little deeper into the origin of a collection of sixty flowers. I was looking for lilacs because I'm particularly fond of them, and I was not disappointed. An interesting fact that I learned was that when lilacs are flowered out of season in the dark, no matter what color they're supposed to be, they will always bloom white. How cool!

Each flower has its own gorgeous portrait, generic name, and history from when it was first recorded. The passages include important dates and the areas where it was cultivated historically, as well as the people who helped by acquiring them, and whether or not they hybridized the flower. I really enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout. This book is definitely something to display or set on my coffee table - it would make a wonderful gift too!

[southernalpscosycorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Short History of Flowers is the perfect book for those wanting to know a little bit more about the flowers found both commonly in their gardens and rarely in florists.

Each flower comes with a beautiful illustration and has around 1-3 pages dedicated to it. Here you get to dive into the flower's history - from when it was discovered to its uses (pharmacological to culinary to cleaning). I loved also reading about how some flowers have bloomed (haha) in mythology and folklore.

Overall this book was a nice, easy read. Now, whenever I see flowers, a little voice in the back of my head stirs and begins to wonder what history this flower had. Was it gifted to medieval queens or maybe its thought to bring luck to brides carrying it in a bouquet?

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a ARC copy of this book.

[N.G. Peltier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was able to get an ARC of this. I was drawn to this book as I'm currently working on a new series, the 1st book features a landscaper/gardener as the rom hero so this intrigued me.

It was really interesting to read about the origins and histories surrounding each flower. While i don't know much of the intricacies of plants and flowers myself my grandfather used to have an orchid shed and was big in our local society

I was familiar with a couple of the flowers by name and the pictures (we also have bougainvillea here in the Caribbean) but learnt about some new ones!

A quick insightful read for those who are into horticulture of just interested in learning about the pretty flowers they see about!

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated that out of the 60 flowers in this book, there were ones that I had never heard of. The various stories are interesting, some more than others. You can tell that the author did a lot of research for each flower. It’s a good pick-up book if you want a quick read - each story is only a few pages long. I found the stories of the Bougainvillea, English Bluebell, Poppy Anemone, and Bearded Iris the most memorable. The illustrations were nice, but I found that I wanted more from them.

*Provided a DRC (digital review copy) from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This captivating compendium brings to life the rich stories behind some of our most beloved flowering plants, from their discovery by intrepid explorers and scholars to their enduring prominence through generations. With its mix of science, history, and biography, garden lovers will adore this gorgeously illustrated book.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Kristin C · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely enchanting read.

As an avid gardener, I have nostalgic memories with most of the flowers in this book, but I was enthralled to learn the backstories of their origins and meet the fearless explorers who took great risks to share their discoveries with the wider world at large.

Full of well-researched vignettes and gorgeous illustrations, I felt as though I'd stumbled into a hidden garden, rooted in history, intrigue and stunningly timeless beauty.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both comprehensive and to-the-point, A Short History of Flowers is a fascinating compendium of our favourite blooms and their lesser-known histories. A perfect pick for garden lovers and historians alike, its unique and informative pages, filled with beautiful illustrations, would make the perfect addition or gift.
Its many short entries also make it an excellent coffee table or waiting room book, or something to read in smaller amounts in between work or transport.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up in small towns, we always had flowers all around. My mom and grandmothers always had plants and flower beds. This book was like taking a trip back to childhood. Learning a little about the history and folklore of some all to familiar plants and many new ones. Thank you Netgalley for this.

[Cook Memorial Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 2024 Staff Nonfiction Favorite for Hannah! For readers of Beauty in the Backyard by Rayan Naqash and Flower Gardener's Handbook by Janice Stillman.

Check our catalog: https://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore...

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, easy, and interesting read for fans of flowers and gardening. Not quite what I was expecting, I think I was expecting a little bit more of a story narrative but still interesting. Many familiar flowers, but disappointed to find a few of my favorites not included. I did learn some interesting fun facts, overall, I would give this 3.5 ⭐s

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely enjoyable to read, with gorgeous artwork. The stories are fascinating and informative. Aside from a single obvious typo, the information was easy to understand. Each section on a specific flower is short. The presentation is lovely.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating history of flower “discovery” with illustrations. This book could be titled “How Some Flowers Came to British Gardens.” Most of the discussed flowers are popular in American gardens as well.

[Sierra]

Great coffee table book! Beautiful illustrations paired with intriguing stories about each flower. There was a nice mix of familiar flowers and ones I've never heard of.

[PasoBear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written account of how the flowers we enjoy today came about. Interspersed with tidbits of history, well worth the read. No flower too common for a garden, be it cottage or botanical.

[Dori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. I love flowers! The illustrations were also beautiful!!

[Gasuski Suski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for your library. Love the history of the plants and the illustrations are beautiful.