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The Goth Garden: The Mystery, Beauty, and Lore of Dark Gardening
Explore the mysterious beauty of gothic gardening with this illustrated plant encyclopedia, featuring the history, myths, and lore behind 50 dark and unique plants perfect for creating your very own spooky garden.
From the Mangave Black Widow to the humble mint plant, discover the hidden stories behind plants that bring a moody, gothic vibe to your garden. Learn what makes a garden truly gothic as you uncover the fascinating histories and legends of unusual plants, inspiring you to design your own striking gothic garden. Discover the dark and fascinating histories of these unique plants and get inspired to incorporate them into your gothic garden or spooky outdoor space.
You’ll explore unique varieties
-The “Queen of the Night” Tulip
-Black Krim Tomatoes
-The “Black Magic” Petunia
-And many more!
Unearth the secrets of plants like “Black Lace” Elderberry, with its dark foliage and connections to Freya, the goddess of love and death, or the deep red basil that adds both flavor and gothic flair to your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning your botanical journey, The Goth Garden will inspire you to transform your space into an enchanting, gothic retreat filled with mystery and life.
From the Mangave Black Widow to the humble mint plant, discover the hidden stories behind plants that bring a moody, gothic vibe to your garden. Learn what makes a garden truly gothic as you uncover the fascinating histories and legends of unusual plants, inspiring you to design your own striking gothic garden. Discover the dark and fascinating histories of these unique plants and get inspired to incorporate them into your gothic garden or spooky outdoor space.
You’ll explore unique varieties
-The “Queen of the Night” Tulip
-Black Krim Tomatoes
-The “Black Magic” Petunia
-And many more!
Unearth the secrets of plants like “Black Lace” Elderberry, with its dark foliage and connections to Freya, the goddess of love and death, or the deep red basil that adds both flavor and gothic flair to your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning your botanical journey, The Goth Garden will inspire you to transform your space into an enchanting, gothic retreat filled with mystery and life.
- GenresGothic
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2025
12 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 25, 2025
This book is absolutely beautiful! The color illustrations of each plant discussed are stunning! It’s a perfect gift if you’ve got a gardener who loves the macabre in your life! What I didn’t expect is this is also a book for gardeners who love gothic literature, are interested in Victorian England customs around flowers or how many tropical flowers made their way to the British Isle.
I’m an avid gardener with multiple shelves of books on the subject. I’m not specifically interested in gothic gardening but this book is special enough that I’ll be returning to it again & again! While I was familiar with many of the flowers, the specific varieties highlighted were new to me. I loved hearing about each flower’s meaning in Victorian times, if the flower appeared in a work of gothic literature or what it was used for (plague cure etc) in the past.
My favorite entry was Miss Willmotts Ghost. It covered the history of Ellen Willmott, who had over 200 plants named after her and a tragic life. She was in love with another woman who ended up married to a man. After this heartbreak she threw herself into gardening, spending her entire fortune on exotic plants. She would sleep on the streets whenever she had to travel because she had no money for a hotel! This plant has a beautiful silver thistle appearance & it was rumored she would drop seeds of it in other people’s gardens when she visited. It was called her ghost because it would always appear after she had been somewhere.
This book has a wealth of information similar to this for each entry and I can’t recommend this enough!
I’m an avid gardener with multiple shelves of books on the subject. I’m not specifically interested in gothic gardening but this book is special enough that I’ll be returning to it again & again! While I was familiar with many of the flowers, the specific varieties highlighted were new to me. I loved hearing about each flower’s meaning in Victorian times, if the flower appeared in a work of gothic literature or what it was used for (plague cure etc) in the past.
My favorite entry was Miss Willmotts Ghost. It covered the history of Ellen Willmott, who had over 200 plants named after her and a tragic life. She was in love with another woman who ended up married to a man. After this heartbreak she threw herself into gardening, spending her entire fortune on exotic plants. She would sleep on the streets whenever she had to travel because she had no money for a hotel! This plant has a beautiful silver thistle appearance & it was rumored she would drop seeds of it in other people’s gardens when she visited. It was called her ghost because it would always appear after she had been somewhere.
This book has a wealth of information similar to this for each entry and I can’t recommend this enough!
November 25, 2025
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
The Goth Garden is a beautiful grimoir style book featuring fifty beautiful gothic flowers and plants for any gothic lover.
The illustrations of the flowers and plants are absolutely beautiful, and I really want to get myself a physical copy of this book to not just keep for reference but to display on my shelves.
The book includes not just general information about each plant/flower, but also the history of it, folklore surrounding it along with conditions it needs to grow and flourish, its life cycle and climate information too plus resources to create a gothic garden and essentials to maintain it.
This would make the most beautiful gift for anyone who loves gothic things, books, or flowers.
The Goth Garden is a beautiful grimoir style book featuring fifty beautiful gothic flowers and plants for any gothic lover.
The illustrations of the flowers and plants are absolutely beautiful, and I really want to get myself a physical copy of this book to not just keep for reference but to display on my shelves.
The book includes not just general information about each plant/flower, but also the history of it, folklore surrounding it along with conditions it needs to grow and flourish, its life cycle and climate information too plus resources to create a gothic garden and essentials to maintain it.
This would make the most beautiful gift for anyone who loves gothic things, books, or flowers.
December 9, 2025
If you’ve ever dreamed of cultivating a garden with a touch of dark elegance and mystery, The Gothic Garden by Felicia Feaster is a must-read.
I really enjoyed this book—it beautifully combines plant history, folklore, and detailed guidance on creating your own moody, enchanting garden. Each featured plant includes helpful notes on its light, space, climate, and life cycle needs.
The illustrations are absolutely stunning—I definitely want to pick up a hardcover copy for my shelf!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an Arc to read.
I really enjoyed this book—it beautifully combines plant history, folklore, and detailed guidance on creating your own moody, enchanting garden. Each featured plant includes helpful notes on its light, space, climate, and life cycle needs.
The illustrations are absolutely stunning—I definitely want to pick up a hardcover copy for my shelf!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an Arc to read.
August 25, 2025
I have been hoping to find a book like this. Beautiful illustrations with artistic page layouts of so many different types of Gothic type plants. Overall beautiful book inside and out. if you want great ideas for the garden or just a beautiful flower book this is one for your shelf.
September 25, 2025
This was such a GORGEOUS book. The illustrations were so artistic and lavish, the pages looked like a spell book. It oozed gothic glamour. I really enjoyed all the bits of history and information that came with each plant. This is the perfect guide for a gothic garden, even for a total beginner. I will absolutely be picking up a hard copy of this book on release day just so I can see all these gorgeous illustrations in person.
Thank you Netgalley and Adams Media for the e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and Adams Media for the e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book!!
My summary - descriptions of 50 dark flowers, plants, and produce that can be used to create a dark garden. Most plants were chosen because of their dark purple or red colors, their names or backgrounds are dark, or they themselves are borderline evil, being able to kill, eat, or attract night dwellers.
- Goth gardening pays tribute to Mother Nature’s dark side, embracing plants with a disreputable history, a delight lay sinister aesthetic, or a toxic modus operandi
- Goth gardens originated in Victorian era when people both had time and money to spend on flowers and plants, especially rare ones, and when classic horror novels arrived and occasionally discussed plants - see Frankenstein, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Rebecca, and The Picture of Dorian Gray.
- How to make a goth garden - choose metal colors, such as black hues, bruised purples, dark forest greens, and blood-colored flowers as well as plants with deadly traits.
My review - I adored the concept of this book, turning a normally happy, life-inducing hobby to the dark side of the moon. I was thoroughly impressed with the menagerie of gothic descriptions the author used. Every sentence was darkly tinged. Additionally, each of plant suggestions were filled with fascinating evil anecdotes. Overall loved this, but couldn’t believe there was no a single mention of a pumpkin or gourd!
Why I read - Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book, I chose this because of a spooky twist on gardening.
When to read - when starting a garden, spooky season, anytime you want a touch of darkness.
My summary - descriptions of 50 dark flowers, plants, and produce that can be used to create a dark garden. Most plants were chosen because of their dark purple or red colors, their names or backgrounds are dark, or they themselves are borderline evil, being able to kill, eat, or attract night dwellers.
- Goth gardening pays tribute to Mother Nature’s dark side, embracing plants with a disreputable history, a delight lay sinister aesthetic, or a toxic modus operandi
- Goth gardens originated in Victorian era when people both had time and money to spend on flowers and plants, especially rare ones, and when classic horror novels arrived and occasionally discussed plants - see Frankenstein, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Rebecca, and The Picture of Dorian Gray.
- How to make a goth garden - choose metal colors, such as black hues, bruised purples, dark forest greens, and blood-colored flowers as well as plants with deadly traits.
My review - I adored the concept of this book, turning a normally happy, life-inducing hobby to the dark side of the moon. I was thoroughly impressed with the menagerie of gothic descriptions the author used. Every sentence was darkly tinged. Additionally, each of plant suggestions were filled with fascinating evil anecdotes. Overall loved this, but couldn’t believe there was no a single mention of a pumpkin or gourd!
Why I read - Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book, I chose this because of a spooky twist on gardening.
When to read - when starting a garden, spooky season, anytime you want a touch of darkness.
October 18, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an early copy of this book.
The book's goals are to introduce the origins of goth gardening, how to create a memorable garden, an encyclopedia of 50 flowers and plants, and how to decorate with more flourish.
Each flower and plant entry has history, folklore, growing guidelines, illustration, description, climate, life cycle, and meaning with the language of flowers.
The focus of the book is on the Victorian interpretation of the flowers and plants while providing examples from other cultures.
There is a list of resources for goth gardening, gothic essentials, and gardening essentials.
The design of the book is lovely and it makes me want to purchase a hard copy.
The book's goals are to introduce the origins of goth gardening, how to create a memorable garden, an encyclopedia of 50 flowers and plants, and how to decorate with more flourish.
Each flower and plant entry has history, folklore, growing guidelines, illustration, description, climate, life cycle, and meaning with the language of flowers.
The focus of the book is on the Victorian interpretation of the flowers and plants while providing examples from other cultures.
There is a list of resources for goth gardening, gothic essentials, and gardening essentials.
The design of the book is lovely and it makes me want to purchase a hard copy.
November 13, 2025
I love the layout of this book, it looks like an old grimoire. It had some flowers I haven't heard of before. So many beautiful pictures. I love how it shows ideal conditions and whether or not it is poisonous.
5 stars
5 stars
November 15, 2025
Book Review: *The Goth Garden: The Mystery, Beauty, and Lore of Dark Gardening* by Felicia Feaster
Rating: 5 Stars
From the moment I laid eyes on *The Goth Garden*, I was captivated—not just by the promise nestled within its pages, but by the book’s own darkly elegant façade. The cover alone, a visual masterpiece of shadow and subtle allure, beckons the curious gardener with an appetite for mystery and beauty. But this book delivers far more than aesthetics; it is a richly illustrated compendium that breathes life into the enigmatic world of gothic gardening.
Felicia Feaster masterfully entwines the histories, myths, and folklore surrounding fifty uniquely somber plants that evoke an atmosphere of moody enchantment. Whether you’re drawn to the haunting allure of the “Queen of the Night” tulip or intrigued by the smoky depths of Black Krim tomatoes, each plant is presented not merely as flora but as a living story, a piece of dark poetry waiting to be cultivated.
The book’s pages unfold like a shadowed stroll through a mysterious garden where every plant—from the delicate “Black Magic” petunia to the myth-laden “Black Lace” elderberry—holds secrets tied to ancient legends and gothic symbolism. The connection to Freya, goddess of love and death, enriches the elderberry’s tale, infusing it with a sense of reverence and magic that only deepens my admiration for Feaster’s work.
What sets *The Goth Garden* apart is its practicality woven seamlessly with its romance. Detailed notes on light requirements, climate preferences, and life cycles ensure that even those new to gardening can confidently nurture their own dark oasis. This balance between scholarly lore and hands-on advice makes it an indispensable guide for anyone longing to cultivate a space where shadow and life coexist in haunting harmony.
The illustrations throughout are nothing short of breathtaking—each page a canvas of gothic artistry that elevates the book beyond a mere reference into an immersive experience. The layout is inviting and intuitive, making it easy to dream, plan, and create.
In sum, *The Goth Garden* is a treasure for anyone enchanted by the gothic aesthetic or simply yearning to add a touch of dark elegance to their outdoor sanctuary. It is as informative as it is inspiring, perfect for seasoned horticulturists and botanical novices alike. This book has firmly claimed its place in my collection as a beautiful and essential guide to the art of gothic gardening.
If your soul stirs at the thought of gardens where mystery blooms and beauty whispers from shadows, Felicia Feaster’s *The Goth Garden* is your spellbinding companion.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 5 Stars
From the moment I laid eyes on *The Goth Garden*, I was captivated—not just by the promise nestled within its pages, but by the book’s own darkly elegant façade. The cover alone, a visual masterpiece of shadow and subtle allure, beckons the curious gardener with an appetite for mystery and beauty. But this book delivers far more than aesthetics; it is a richly illustrated compendium that breathes life into the enigmatic world of gothic gardening.
Felicia Feaster masterfully entwines the histories, myths, and folklore surrounding fifty uniquely somber plants that evoke an atmosphere of moody enchantment. Whether you’re drawn to the haunting allure of the “Queen of the Night” tulip or intrigued by the smoky depths of Black Krim tomatoes, each plant is presented not merely as flora but as a living story, a piece of dark poetry waiting to be cultivated.
The book’s pages unfold like a shadowed stroll through a mysterious garden where every plant—from the delicate “Black Magic” petunia to the myth-laden “Black Lace” elderberry—holds secrets tied to ancient legends and gothic symbolism. The connection to Freya, goddess of love and death, enriches the elderberry’s tale, infusing it with a sense of reverence and magic that only deepens my admiration for Feaster’s work.
What sets *The Goth Garden* apart is its practicality woven seamlessly with its romance. Detailed notes on light requirements, climate preferences, and life cycles ensure that even those new to gardening can confidently nurture their own dark oasis. This balance between scholarly lore and hands-on advice makes it an indispensable guide for anyone longing to cultivate a space where shadow and life coexist in haunting harmony.
The illustrations throughout are nothing short of breathtaking—each page a canvas of gothic artistry that elevates the book beyond a mere reference into an immersive experience. The layout is inviting and intuitive, making it easy to dream, plan, and create.
In sum, *The Goth Garden* is a treasure for anyone enchanted by the gothic aesthetic or simply yearning to add a touch of dark elegance to their outdoor sanctuary. It is as informative as it is inspiring, perfect for seasoned horticulturists and botanical novices alike. This book has firmly claimed its place in my collection as a beautiful and essential guide to the art of gothic gardening.
If your soul stirs at the thought of gardens where mystery blooms and beauty whispers from shadows, Felicia Feaster’s *The Goth Garden* is your spellbinding companion.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
August 16, 2025
Begin your journey with a decadently beautiful garden that satisfies your most macabre desires with a floral scent. Think an enchanted graveyard meets an enchanted cottage for your garden! The Victorian roots of your spooky desires are eloquently described with the basics of lore, climate, and where these gothic flowers come from. Always think of the roots when you are gardening and it will help guide you to curate a garden that satisfies your dark heart’s needs.
The artwork in this book is spectacular. The drawings give off the idea of something antique and beautifully capture the purples, blues, and greyscale contrast you need for your gothic garden. I would love to see this artwork and the lore translated into an oracle deck in the future. I truly enjoyed learning about the different flowers and the potential I can have for a mini gothic garden. I was immediately drawn to this book for the cover but I stayed for the lore.
Feaster herself tells you that the Victorian age was obsessed with this mortality concept and I perceive the commitment to gardens were the one way to cultivate life through your own means. The essence of the plants will drive your gothic garden and help you curate a bouquet, edible herbs, and contrast that truly make a garden stand out. Think of the symbolism and the colors and the way that scents can mask the concept of mortality through this eco beauty. Beautiful plants and eloquent lore? What more could you want from a basic garden book? Thank you Netgalley and Adams Media for this advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read more reviews, recommendations and ARC reviews at https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/
The artwork in this book is spectacular. The drawings give off the idea of something antique and beautifully capture the purples, blues, and greyscale contrast you need for your gothic garden. I would love to see this artwork and the lore translated into an oracle deck in the future. I truly enjoyed learning about the different flowers and the potential I can have for a mini gothic garden. I was immediately drawn to this book for the cover but I stayed for the lore.
Feaster herself tells you that the Victorian age was obsessed with this mortality concept and I perceive the commitment to gardens were the one way to cultivate life through your own means. The essence of the plants will drive your gothic garden and help you curate a bouquet, edible herbs, and contrast that truly make a garden stand out. Think of the symbolism and the colors and the way that scents can mask the concept of mortality through this eco beauty. Beautiful plants and eloquent lore? What more could you want from a basic garden book? Thank you Netgalley and Adams Media for this advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read more reviews, recommendations and ARC reviews at https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/
October 24, 2025
Goth Garden by Felicia Feaster is a hauntingly beautiful collection of gothic plants, providing both rich history and practical advice.
This book is absolutely gorgeous! The covers, plant illustrations, and page ornamentals are thoughtfully elegant. I viewed this book as an e-book, but I will purchase a hard copy when it is available. My favorite illustrations were of the Lily ‘Landini’, the Black Bat Flower, and the ‘Back to Black’ Viola.
But not only is Goth Garden absolutely lovely, it is informative and interesting. I really appreciated the historical introduction at the beginning of the book, which includes information about gardening in the Victorian era and literary connections. I enjoy that each entry also presents practical uses for the plant, such as whether it is edible or poisonous, the best growing conditions, or if it can be used as a cut flower in an arrangement. I also love how it connects to the language of flowers, which I find especially interesting, and I appreciate the list of extra resources at the end.
Overall, I give Goth Garden by Felicia Feaster 5/5 stars. I highly recommend it to garden enthusiasts, plant lovers, and anyone drawn to a darker aesthetic.
Thank you to NetGalley, Felicia Feaster, and Adams Media for the ARC copy of the book in exchange for my review. All expressed opinions are my own!
This book is absolutely gorgeous! The covers, plant illustrations, and page ornamentals are thoughtfully elegant. I viewed this book as an e-book, but I will purchase a hard copy when it is available. My favorite illustrations were of the Lily ‘Landini’, the Black Bat Flower, and the ‘Back to Black’ Viola.
But not only is Goth Garden absolutely lovely, it is informative and interesting. I really appreciated the historical introduction at the beginning of the book, which includes information about gardening in the Victorian era and literary connections. I enjoy that each entry also presents practical uses for the plant, such as whether it is edible or poisonous, the best growing conditions, or if it can be used as a cut flower in an arrangement. I also love how it connects to the language of flowers, which I find especially interesting, and I appreciate the list of extra resources at the end.
Overall, I give Goth Garden by Felicia Feaster 5/5 stars. I highly recommend it to garden enthusiasts, plant lovers, and anyone drawn to a darker aesthetic.
Thank you to NetGalley, Felicia Feaster, and Adams Media for the ARC copy of the book in exchange for my review. All expressed opinions are my own!
November 14, 2025
𝕭𝖔𝖔𝖐 𝕽𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖊𝖜
The Goth Garden by Felicia Feaster is a gorgeous art book that just happens to be packed full of history, lore, growing guidance, and uses of fifty plants and flowers to add to your very own goth garden - or at least to your bookshelf.
The first chapter provides a brief history of the gothic sensibility and aesthetic as well as some context for the rise in popularity of small scale gardening as a pastime.
The bulk of the book is contained in the second chapter, an encyclopedia of fifty plants suitable for the goth garden and includes growing tips and uses for the plant as well as my favorite part - folklore and history of the plant.
Felicia Feaster’s writing really engages in telling stories about these plants, and reading about cults, poison, murder, vampires!, etc. in these pages is as exciting as many thrillers.
Finally, The Goth Garden closes with some guidance on the layout, design, and decor and how to create your very own goth garden.
This is definitely a book I will have around just to flip through for the beautiful illustrations, to inspire me in my writing, and maybe even - with my black thumb and all - to guide me in growing my own Goth Garden.
Thank you to NetGalley and Adams Media for the advance copy for my unbiased review.
The Goth Garden by Felicia Feaster is a gorgeous art book that just happens to be packed full of history, lore, growing guidance, and uses of fifty plants and flowers to add to your very own goth garden - or at least to your bookshelf.
The first chapter provides a brief history of the gothic sensibility and aesthetic as well as some context for the rise in popularity of small scale gardening as a pastime.
The bulk of the book is contained in the second chapter, an encyclopedia of fifty plants suitable for the goth garden and includes growing tips and uses for the plant as well as my favorite part - folklore and history of the plant.
Felicia Feaster’s writing really engages in telling stories about these plants, and reading about cults, poison, murder, vampires!, etc. in these pages is as exciting as many thrillers.
Finally, The Goth Garden closes with some guidance on the layout, design, and decor and how to create your very own goth garden.
This is definitely a book I will have around just to flip through for the beautiful illustrations, to inspire me in my writing, and maybe even - with my black thumb and all - to guide me in growing my own Goth Garden.
Thank you to NetGalley and Adams Media for the advance copy for my unbiased review.
December 10, 2025
When I am looking for a gardening book for utility purposes because I have a backyard and I’m wanting to find a guide, I’m hoping for something that doesn’t have long paragraphs so that I can easily reference it if I need to.
That is my only major gripe with this specific book and I have a feeling it’s just because of the e-book formatting and that in a physical book form, the flowers are going to be on the right side and the text will be on the left side so that you’ll have full context. I’m hoping that it is not the case that the text is very dense and heavy and difficult to reference and then you only really have illustrations to go off of because I feel like at that point, I would need to do at least a few online searches to find information and ideally this book would be able to help me access that information more easily.
With that being said, I loved everything else about this book. I love the decoration. I love the flowers that are mentioned. I love that there is an abundance of information and context provided. I loved the color palette used and I totally want this on my shelf.
Thank you so much for this amazing garden ARC! I appreciate the opportunity to leave honest feedback voluntarily.
That is my only major gripe with this specific book and I have a feeling it’s just because of the e-book formatting and that in a physical book form, the flowers are going to be on the right side and the text will be on the left side so that you’ll have full context. I’m hoping that it is not the case that the text is very dense and heavy and difficult to reference and then you only really have illustrations to go off of because I feel like at that point, I would need to do at least a few online searches to find information and ideally this book would be able to help me access that information more easily.
With that being said, I loved everything else about this book. I love the decoration. I love the flowers that are mentioned. I love that there is an abundance of information and context provided. I loved the color palette used and I totally want this on my shelf.
Thank you so much for this amazing garden ARC! I appreciate the opportunity to leave honest feedback voluntarily.
August 20, 2025
The Goth Garden is a perfect read for gardeners who love strange and unusual plants, fans of gothic literature, history, and modern culture, and anyone who loves lavishly illustrated nature books. Since I fall into all three of these categories, I loved this book!
The Goth Garden showcases multiple unique, moodily gorgeous plants, giving historical and cultural insight into each before outlining practical tips for growing them. Each plant description is accompanied by a beautiful illustration. The entire book is beautiful and wonderfully gothic, from the font choices to the section header art; it commits to the theme, and does it very well. A celebration of darkly beautiful plants, The Goth Garden needs to be on your radar if you’ve ever secretly wished you could wander around the Addam’s family greenhouse or a Victorian poison garden for a few hours.
I would recommend The Goth Garden to fans of all things gothic and strange, gardeners who find joy in plants others may think are weird, and fans of well-written and beautifully illustrated gardening books.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc! All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
The Goth Garden showcases multiple unique, moodily gorgeous plants, giving historical and cultural insight into each before outlining practical tips for growing them. Each plant description is accompanied by a beautiful illustration. The entire book is beautiful and wonderfully gothic, from the font choices to the section header art; it commits to the theme, and does it very well. A celebration of darkly beautiful plants, The Goth Garden needs to be on your radar if you’ve ever secretly wished you could wander around the Addam’s family greenhouse or a Victorian poison garden for a few hours.
I would recommend The Goth Garden to fans of all things gothic and strange, gardeners who find joy in plants others may think are weird, and fans of well-written and beautifully illustrated gardening books.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc! All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
November 19, 2025
The Goth Garden is a fascinating exploration into “the realm of shadow and soil, where every leaf whispers lore and every bloom bears a secret.” You don’t have to be a botanist to be riveted by Felicia Feaster’s sharp wit, vivid descriptions, and encyclopedic knowledge of gothic flowers and plants. Feaster deftly weaves information with lore, such as the tale of a Bleeding Heart plant growing where a lover’s blood was spilled, or how irises are planted outside homes in China to keep evil spirits at bay. The Black Bat flower is described as “wonderfully bizarre,” which perfectly describes this fun read. Additionally, the book itself is gorgeous, containing rich illustrations and graphics that evoke a gothic mood. What makes this gardening book unique is its unpredictability, from the many options of how to create one’s own goth garden, to the fun history behind a flower. Why is this plant named Miss Willmott’s Ghost, and who was Miss Willmott? Why does Feaster describe the black peony poppy as “The Mourner’s Little Helper”? The Goth Garden answers those questions and more in this fun, beautiful book that will leave you thinking about it long after you’ve turned the last page.
September 24, 2025
The Goth Garden by Felicia Feaster was a delight. It describes 50 gothy plants - including black, deep purple, deep green and crimson vegetables. herbs, flowers, cacti and carnivorous plants. It describes their origins/gothic histories/how to grow them/their toxicity and where best to plant them.
The book covers the origins of dark, moody plants going back to the gothic revival and shows how plants have been used in literature and society to express certain messages or themes and even to poison/kill.
The plants are beautifully described and illustrated. You can easily use this book as a reference to plan your own garden and to get tips on how to safely handle these plants. There is even a section on how to add gothic decor to your garden to further enhance the dark and moody themes.
The perfect plant book for spooky season and I enjoyed it very much - a beautiful edition to my library.
The book covers the origins of dark, moody plants going back to the gothic revival and shows how plants have been used in literature and society to express certain messages or themes and even to poison/kill.
The plants are beautifully described and illustrated. You can easily use this book as a reference to plan your own garden and to get tips on how to safely handle these plants. There is even a section on how to add gothic decor to your garden to further enhance the dark and moody themes.
The perfect plant book for spooky season and I enjoyed it very much - a beautiful edition to my library.
September 28, 2025
This is such a beautiful book whether you're a gardener or not.
As someone who loves gothic/horror vibes I needed to read this book. I'm not a gardener but it is a goal of mine and this book provided so much inspiration and information. I loved that it not only had instructional information but also historical information. That makes this book good for those wanting to plant/care for these plants as well as just an educational read for those that are interested in plants. And if you're neither...the artwork is stunning. The book is full of art that is perfectly gothic and glamorous.
I'll definitely be purchasing a copy to add to my library and hopefully one day can put it to use in my own garden and not just admire it. I'd love to have gothic vibes sprinkled outside to match the gothic themes I have throughout the inside of my house.
As someone who loves gothic/horror vibes I needed to read this book. I'm not a gardener but it is a goal of mine and this book provided so much inspiration and information. I loved that it not only had instructional information but also historical information. That makes this book good for those wanting to plant/care for these plants as well as just an educational read for those that are interested in plants. And if you're neither...the artwork is stunning. The book is full of art that is perfectly gothic and glamorous.
I'll definitely be purchasing a copy to add to my library and hopefully one day can put it to use in my own garden and not just admire it. I'd love to have gothic vibes sprinkled outside to match the gothic themes I have throughout the inside of my house.
October 31, 2025
This is a stunningly beautiful book, the artwork is an absolute delight! All the information it provides about the plants is helpful, but what I really loved was the way it transformed the way I thought about my own garden. I already grow several of these plants and it made me realize if I group them nearer each other or transplant some of them in the same area, I, too can make a goth garden!
Her reasons for choosing certain plants range from the obvious (deep black petals, burgundy blossoms, ghost white leaves) to the clever (because they're incredibly poisonous and they just feel right in a goth garden.
I can't wait to add this to my collection, it's a treasure for those who love plants with a dramatic flair and for help in planning themed gardens. Thank you Felicia Feaster, Adams Media, and NetGalley for this ARC, it's wonderful!
Her reasons for choosing certain plants range from the obvious (deep black petals, burgundy blossoms, ghost white leaves) to the clever (because they're incredibly poisonous and they just feel right in a goth garden.
I can't wait to add this to my collection, it's a treasure for those who love plants with a dramatic flair and for help in planning themed gardens. Thank you Felicia Feaster, Adams Media, and NetGalley for this ARC, it's wonderful!
November 28, 2025
thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for an eARC to review in exchange for an honest review <3
this book is everything i hoped for and more. its visually stunning and deeply captivating. it opens with a history lesson of the goth garden and then leads you through a collection of gorgeous (and sometimes deadly) plants, and each plant is accompanied by illustrations, facs, lose and historical context.
every page feels carefully crafted and rich with detail. its not just a book, but also an experience. im already planning on buying a physical copy to keep on my shelf because this is definitely a book you want to own.
also... consider me officially inspired to start cultivating my own little goth garden 🖤🌿
this book is everything i hoped for and more. its visually stunning and deeply captivating. it opens with a history lesson of the goth garden and then leads you through a collection of gorgeous (and sometimes deadly) plants, and each plant is accompanied by illustrations, facs, lose and historical context.
every page feels carefully crafted and rich with detail. its not just a book, but also an experience. im already planning on buying a physical copy to keep on my shelf because this is definitely a book you want to own.
also... consider me officially inspired to start cultivating my own little goth garden 🖤🌿
September 21, 2025
I enjoyed this book so much. First it is gorgeous, the illustrations are so nice. Every plant is presented with the basic facts, a bit of its history, significance, why it would fit in a goth garden, what to pair it with, its toxicity. It was super interesting, I learned so much about plant provenances, history. I tought i knew my goth plants! Felicia Feaster prove me wrong. There is a chapter about what could be add to the garden to fit the theme. I appreciated that it did not fell into clichés and had some original ideas.
Thank you Netgalley and Adams Media for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Thank you Netgalley and Adams Media for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
October 21, 2025
I loved this. It was an interesting read. I enjoyed the mix of plant tips, lore, and arrangement suggestions. This was a gothic timepiece writer’s sanctuary- a novel full of inspiration.
Including additional books to read on the subject was also a very fine touch.
I fully intend to own a physical copy when it releases. The Goth Garden is an amuse-bouche of interesting facts, gardening, and gorgeous plants you may or may not have heard of before. Each entry was long enough to pull you in, but short enough that it didn’t feel like reading a biology textbook.
Would recommend, I enjoyed reading it a little at a time every day.
Including additional books to read on the subject was also a very fine touch.
I fully intend to own a physical copy when it releases. The Goth Garden is an amuse-bouche of interesting facts, gardening, and gorgeous plants you may or may not have heard of before. Each entry was long enough to pull you in, but short enough that it didn’t feel like reading a biology textbook.
Would recommend, I enjoyed reading it a little at a time every day.
December 13, 2025
I loved this wonderful guide to goth gardens and learned so much about the history of each flower. It kept me enraptured with its lovely illustrations and historical references, from Greek myth to the Victorian era and so much more. The author includes terrific tips for creating your own garden and also adds suggestions for goth garden decor. Luxuriate in this beautifully crafted guide, which makes a lovely gift for yourself or for the gardener in your life.
October 26, 2025
A goth gardener’s dreamscape. This book is lovely and has some fun facts to offer.
December 1, 2025
A wonderful, dark little gem of a book, THE GOTH GARDEN is a satisfying blend of history, gardening and lifestyle. It is a pleasure to read, either from start-to-finish or being casually perused when looking for inspiration in garden or decor. An art critic and former content editor for HGTV, Feaster's writing is full of substance and insight, while remaining engaging and accessible to the casual reader. Not only a fascinating read, THE GOTH GARDEN is a beautiful objet d'art, handsomely designed and perfect for gift-giving.
December 2, 2025
This is an absolutely gorgeous work. It's chockfull of pithy tips, pro writing, and visuals that will appeal to everyone, whether you're a (gothic) green thumb or not. Highly recommended.
October 27, 2025
As a girl that loves the Gothic aesthetic, this book was right up my alley. Felicia Feaster collects folklore, plant lore, and useful tips to create a volume both useful and entertaining. Unfortunately the digital ARC did not include any of the illustrations (and my Kindle is black and white, so I would have missed out on detail regardless), so I will be looking to get a copy of this once it is available. My husband and I have just purchased our first house, and I now have plenty of garden space to Goth up!
October 26, 2025
Every goth needs a garden, and mine isn’t that big.
Overall this was a shorter book than I had anticipated it to be. That being said though, it was highly informative. I enjoyed the high resolution images of the plants discussed in this author’s nonfiction collection. I think the author put a lot of thought into their book.
Specifically I enjoyed learning about these plants:
Amethyst bush bean
Black Bat Flower
Black lace elderberry
Black magic cosmos great natural insect repellant
Deadly Nightshade
Dracula Celosia
English lavender
Indigo rose tomato
Rebecca soper pitcher plant
Rosemary
Wicked witch coleus
I will be purchasing a copy so that I can recall which of these plants to plant when, where, and which were toxic/harmless.
Overall this was a shorter book than I had anticipated it to be. That being said though, it was highly informative. I enjoyed the high resolution images of the plants discussed in this author’s nonfiction collection. I think the author put a lot of thought into their book.
Specifically I enjoyed learning about these plants:
Amethyst bush bean
Black Bat Flower
Black lace elderberry
Black magic cosmos great natural insect repellant
Deadly Nightshade
Dracula Celosia
English lavender
Indigo rose tomato
Rebecca soper pitcher plant
Rosemary
Wicked witch coleus
I will be purchasing a copy so that I can recall which of these plants to plant when, where, and which were toxic/harmless.
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