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Beatrix Potter’s Botanical: The Art of Flowers and Fungi
Not yet published
Expected 13 Oct 26A rare collection of Beatrix Potter's own botanical art, and an exploration of the role these plants played in her personal and literary life.
Beatrix Potter's Botanical collects and showcases 65 plants and fungi that Beatrix Potter made special study of in her often-overlooked career as a botanical artist. For each species we see Potter’s original pencil and watercolor renderings, learn about the specimen’s role in her various beloved gardens, and hear the stories of how it inspired or appeared in her literary work. The result is a new look at the celebrated illustrator as a pioneering botanical artist and budding scientist. Beatrix Potter is a beloved author and illustrator and this gorgeous exploration of her work will appeal to a wide array of fans.
Beatrix Potter's Botanical collects and showcases 65 plants and fungi that Beatrix Potter made special study of in her often-overlooked career as a botanical artist. For each species we see Potter’s original pencil and watercolor renderings, learn about the specimen’s role in her various beloved gardens, and hear the stories of how it inspired or appeared in her literary work. The result is a new look at the celebrated illustrator as a pioneering botanical artist and budding scientist. Beatrix Potter is a beloved author and illustrator and this gorgeous exploration of her work will appeal to a wide array of fans.
- GenresArt
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 13, 2026
About the author
Marta McDowell
19 books242 followersI live, garden and write in Chatham, New Jersey where I share my garden with my husband, Kirke, assorted wildlife and approximately 10,000 honey bees. You will often find me at the New York Botanical Garden, where I teach landscape history and gardening courses. My new book, All the Presidents' Gardens, is coming out from Timber Press in October 2016. (I'm excited!) When I'm not gardening I like to read and knit and cook and eat, though not all at the same time.
My husband, Kirke, summarizes my biography as “I am therefore I dig.”
My husband, Kirke, summarizes my biography as “I am therefore I dig.”
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a lovely book for those who are fans of Potter and who love nature writing. Plants are arranged alphabetically with a few pages each about how that plant occurred in her writing (books or letters) and one of her sketches or paintings of the plant, sometimes with the addition of a photograph of Potter at the time.
Potter was born to wealthy parents and had a childhood where she was largely unschooled (I know this from previous readings, not necessarily this book), allowing her to really delve into her interests of art and nature. Because of the family’s wealth, she was able to have private art tutors in childhood and to spend her time on her passions of nature, art and gardening throughout her life. This book taught me a lot more about her adulthood, from her tragic first love (whom her parents didn’t allow her to marry because he wasn’t from their social standing and who died while she was vacationing) to her books and the houses and farms she bought with her own money as her books became popular (she continued to live with her parents anyway until her marriage later in life because that, too, was required of a woman of her social status).
The book is a wonderful dive into Potter’s life and into trivia about each plant. I must admit to skimming it more and more as I went on, as it is quite a long book that lends itself more to slow reading over time rather than reading a lengthy digital file all at once before it’s deleted. It would make a good gift for a nature lover or Potter fan.
I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.
Potter was born to wealthy parents and had a childhood where she was largely unschooled (I know this from previous readings, not necessarily this book), allowing her to really delve into her interests of art and nature. Because of the family’s wealth, she was able to have private art tutors in childhood and to spend her time on her passions of nature, art and gardening throughout her life. This book taught me a lot more about her adulthood, from her tragic first love (whom her parents didn’t allow her to marry because he wasn’t from their social standing and who died while she was vacationing) to her books and the houses and farms she bought with her own money as her books became popular (she continued to live with her parents anyway until her marriage later in life because that, too, was required of a woman of her social status).
The book is a wonderful dive into Potter’s life and into trivia about each plant. I must admit to skimming it more and more as I went on, as it is quite a long book that lends itself more to slow reading over time rather than reading a lengthy digital file all at once before it’s deleted. It would make a good gift for a nature lover or Potter fan.
I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This would make a beautiful coffee table book. It was a delightful read. The author is really an expert in everything Beatrix Potter and botanicals. This book is beautifully laid out and accessible for the casual floral and art enthusiast like myself.
The biography at the beginning of this book was so informative. I really enjoyed learning about Beatrix and her life. The accompany photos were very interesting. I especially liked the photos of the dogs. Sandy was my favourite! The author has a lovely writing style and you can tell she really has a passion for Beatrix, flowers and fungi.
This book has so many wonderful paintings and drawings that really add to the enjoyment of the book. I particularly like the painting of the horse in Pringle Wood.
Adding quotes and referencing Beatrix books was a really lovely touch. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Foxglove as it is one of my favourite flowers. The charming quote “Who put the fox in foxglove” accompanied the chapter. I thought this was very funny. The Snapdragon chapter was also very interesting with beautiful art.
Each chapter is well thought through. It examines the flower in depth and also ties in Beatrix very well. It includes a lot of information about history which I really enjoyed.
I appreciated the list of books by Beatrix Potter at the end of book. I didn’t realise she had published so many books. The extensive notes section at the end was also very helpful and interesting.
The biography at the beginning of this book was so informative. I really enjoyed learning about Beatrix and her life. The accompany photos were very interesting. I especially liked the photos of the dogs. Sandy was my favourite! The author has a lovely writing style and you can tell she really has a passion for Beatrix, flowers and fungi.
This book has so many wonderful paintings and drawings that really add to the enjoyment of the book. I particularly like the painting of the horse in Pringle Wood.
Adding quotes and referencing Beatrix books was a really lovely touch. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Foxglove as it is one of my favourite flowers. The charming quote “Who put the fox in foxglove” accompanied the chapter. I thought this was very funny. The Snapdragon chapter was also very interesting with beautiful art.
Each chapter is well thought through. It examines the flower in depth and also ties in Beatrix very well. It includes a lot of information about history which I really enjoyed.
I appreciated the list of books by Beatrix Potter at the end of book. I didn’t realise she had published so many books. The extensive notes section at the end was also very helpful and interesting.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5/5 Stars!!! I am amazed by this collection of stories and artwork that were created by the famous author/illustrator Beatrix Potter. I did not realize Potter was a botanical artist. I have been missing out!
As an artist/watercolorist, master gardener and nature lover, I felt like this book was a gift made specifically for me. The author Marta McDowell did a beautiful job retelling short true stories about Beatrix Potter's botanical and artistic journey throughout her life. This is a cozy, heartfelt, and good humoured book that every nature/ art enthusiasts needs in their library.
As much as I appreciated the dedication and work that went into organizing and collecting Potter's photographs and art work, I REALLY appreciate the Afterword and the update on the current status of Potter's Hill Top garden where a large portion of this art originated from.
To spend a day reading this book in the Hill Top garden would be a dream come true.
****************Page 213 and 249 have editor's notes to be removed and image that needs correction. ***********
(Thank you to NetGalley, Timber Press and Marta McDowell for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)
As an artist/watercolorist, master gardener and nature lover, I felt like this book was a gift made specifically for me. The author Marta McDowell did a beautiful job retelling short true stories about Beatrix Potter's botanical and artistic journey throughout her life. This is a cozy, heartfelt, and good humoured book that every nature/ art enthusiasts needs in their library.
As much as I appreciated the dedication and work that went into organizing and collecting Potter's photographs and art work, I REALLY appreciate the Afterword and the update on the current status of Potter's Hill Top garden where a large portion of this art originated from.
To spend a day reading this book in the Hill Top garden would be a dream come true.
****************Page 213 and 249 have editor's notes to be removed and image that needs correction. ***********
(Thank you to NetGalley, Timber Press and Marta McDowell for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Overall a charming book that I think would appeal to gardeners, nature lovers, art enthusiasts and Beatrix fans!
It starts with a concise biography of Beatrix and then moves into individual plants of interest. The pictures are just wonderful! My favourites are the more scientific studies of a specimen.
It didn't need to tell us what's in the pictures when we can see for ourselves. This would only be needed in a book without pictures. That felt a little like trying to get the word count up....
The narrative style was weird in places, perhaps trying to immerse us in a pretend day of Beatrix's? For example "She had had a plant adventure, and she must have been wearing sturdy shoes." What is the point of sentences like that?
The style wasn't consistent throughout the book either.
I found the usage of names confusing. They used Beatrix Potter, Mrs Heelis, Beatrix Heelis, Beatrix Potter Heelis (did she ever call herself that?) etc. I couldn't work out why it kept swapping and I would've preferred one name for the entire book.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance digital copy of the book. ❤️
It starts with a concise biography of Beatrix and then moves into individual plants of interest. The pictures are just wonderful! My favourites are the more scientific studies of a specimen.
It didn't need to tell us what's in the pictures when we can see for ourselves. This would only be needed in a book without pictures. That felt a little like trying to get the word count up....
The narrative style was weird in places, perhaps trying to immerse us in a pretend day of Beatrix's? For example "She had had a plant adventure, and she must have been wearing sturdy shoes." What is the point of sentences like that?
The style wasn't consistent throughout the book either.
I found the usage of names confusing. They used Beatrix Potter, Mrs Heelis, Beatrix Heelis, Beatrix Potter Heelis (did she ever call herself that?) etc. I couldn't work out why it kept swapping and I would've preferred one name for the entire book.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance digital copy of the book. ❤️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to Timber Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Nestled into Beatrix Potter's stories are the flora and fauna that ground the tales she told. They add to her art and create the backdrops that make her works some of the most beloved children's books of all time. Her ability to paint real, identifiable plants add layers to her works that can be appreciated by readers of all ages.
Many know Beatrix Potter as an author and illustrator, but few know her as a farmer and conservationist.
In Marta McDowell's book, Beatrix Potter’s Botanical: The Art of Flowers and Fungi, she's gathered every bit and bob of Potter's musings on plants and brought it together into an enjoyable and beautiful book.
Filled with sketches of daffodils and watercolors of daisies, “set in garden, forest, lake and field,”
the story of Beatrix's life is portrayed in these pages, with connections to agricultural histories and even other great stories like Little Women and Alice in Wonderland.
Nestled into Beatrix Potter's stories are the flora and fauna that ground the tales she told. They add to her art and create the backdrops that make her works some of the most beloved children's books of all time. Her ability to paint real, identifiable plants add layers to her works that can be appreciated by readers of all ages.
Many know Beatrix Potter as an author and illustrator, but few know her as a farmer and conservationist.
In Marta McDowell's book, Beatrix Potter’s Botanical: The Art of Flowers and Fungi, she's gathered every bit and bob of Potter's musings on plants and brought it together into an enjoyable and beautiful book.
Filled with sketches of daffodils and watercolors of daisies, “set in garden, forest, lake and field,”
the story of Beatrix's life is portrayed in these pages, with connections to agricultural histories and even other great stories like Little Women and Alice in Wonderland.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✨Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this book✨
As a life long fan of Beatrix Potter, I was instantly drawn to this book.
This quote in the beginning was great, as I had no idea about her love of mushrooms;
“You are in good company if you associate Beatrix Potter with blue-jacketed bunnies. You are in a select minority if you know she was a serious amateur mycologist.”
The book itself starts with a concise biography of Beatrix and then moves into the flowers and mushrooms that she illustrated. A mix of references to the appearances of the plants in her life and where she brought them into her books. I especially liked the reference to Jemima Puddleduck in the section about Foxglove. One of my favourite stories with one of my favourite flowers!
The stories woven in give such a great insight into what her life was really like.
I thoroughly recommend this to anyone who already has a love of Beatrix Potter, or for those who have just discovered just how talented she was. Not just a woman drawing bunnies!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A gorgeous, cozy celebration of Beatrix Potter as a botanical artist and storyteller. McDowell blends an illuminating mini-biography with richly curated paintings, photos, quotes, and flower-by-flower chapters that connect Potter’s journals, gardens, and art. The layout is accessible enough for casual readers yet deeply satisfying for gardeners and art lovers; it’s coffee-table beautiful and genuinely informative. Highlights include the update on Hill Top garden and the comprehensive notes and book list. Overall heartfelt, very aesthetic, and inspiring—perfect for nature enthusiasts, watercolor fans, and anyone nostalgic for Potter.
Thank you to NetGalley, Marta McDowell and the publisher for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley, Marta McDowell and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love Botanical sketches. I love reading books about plants. Ever since I was a little girl and my great great aunt bought me a boxed set of Beatrix Potter books, I’ve loved her stories. In recently re-reading all of her books, I realized how much I love her artwork.
This is a meticulously researched book. It is both beautiful and informative. Marta McDowell seamlessly blends information about Beatrix Potter’s life, the history of botanicals, why certain plants were important in her life, and information about each of the featured plants. It’s an incredible delight to gardeners (or anyone who loves plants) and fans of Beatrix Potter. This is one I’m very excited to buy a copy of for myself.
Thank you Marta McDowell, Timber Press, and NetGalley for this ARC, it’s simply beautiful!
This is a meticulously researched book. It is both beautiful and informative. Marta McDowell seamlessly blends information about Beatrix Potter’s life, the history of botanicals, why certain plants were important in her life, and information about each of the featured plants. It’s an incredible delight to gardeners (or anyone who loves plants) and fans of Beatrix Potter. This is one I’m very excited to buy a copy of for myself.
Thank you Marta McDowell, Timber Press, and NetGalley for this ARC, it’s simply beautiful!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this book courtesy of NetGalley for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Overview: Beatrix Potter has been well known for her children's books concerning Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, and more. She even illustrated her own work. How did she get started on this path? This book gives a timeline for her botanical artwork. What will we see? Let's find out.
Likes: The artwork is separated by the common name of the plant, and alphabetically at that.
Mrs. Heelis nee Potter was able to do quite a bit with her life. At least her work was just as magical as her stories are. She even was able to illustrate a mycolgy book.
Conclusion: This was a great book. If you are still a fan of Beatrix Potter, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Overview: Beatrix Potter has been well known for her children's books concerning Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, and more. She even illustrated her own work. How did she get started on this path? This book gives a timeline for her botanical artwork. What will we see? Let's find out.
Likes: The artwork is separated by the common name of the plant, and alphabetically at that.
Mrs. Heelis nee Potter was able to do quite a bit with her life. At least her work was just as magical as her stories are. She even was able to illustrate a mycolgy book.
Conclusion: This was a great book. If you are still a fan of Beatrix Potter, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25/5
I loved Beatrix Potter books and their illustrations as a child (and still do). So I was very excited to read this book.
This is a book about Beatrix's plant-life illustrations and paintings.
This has lots of photos of her plant studies as well as the illustrations in which they are features in her books. This also has lots of text about her life, her connection to these plants, and how it relates to her life.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I loved Beatrix Potter books and their illustrations as a child (and still do). So I was very excited to read this book.
This is a book about Beatrix's plant-life illustrations and paintings.
This has lots of photos of her plant studies as well as the illustrations in which they are features in her books. This also has lots of text about her life, her connection to these plants, and how it relates to her life.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Since it's easy to only remember Beatrix Potter as a wonderful illustrator for children's books, she is often forgotten for being a wonderful scientific illustrator as well. Thankfully, Marta McDowell has set out to educate not only on Potter's work but also on the scientific context of it.
A wonderful introduction to Potter's work and botany, accompanied by wonderful illustrations by Beatrix Potter herself.
A wonderful introduction to Potter's work and botany, accompanied by wonderful illustrations by Beatrix Potter herself.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC Review
I like that through her artwork/gardening I got to know more about the person behind it. She seemed like someone pretty interesting and with a lot of character. It’s amazing how you can know her through her love for plants. And it's incredible, how in a way, every plant, flower or fungi has a story to tell about Beatrix Potter, cementing what a big part of her life this subject was when I only knew she illustrated picture books.
I wasn’t well versed with her style and I was impressed. The amount of detail in some of the pieces, even just being sketches or practices, was so accurate and clean that inspired me to notice plants with a new lens so I can add them to my own art.
I do have to mention that it's a bit annoying that the images get blurry and pixilated if I try to zoom in on them, so I couldn’t examine them as I would’ve liked.
Going through the book was a bit lengthy, however I was enchanted with the paintings and the stories. Totally recommend for artists, after all it is good to learn about other people’s work and processes, as well as, for inspiration.
I like that through her artwork/gardening I got to know more about the person behind it. She seemed like someone pretty interesting and with a lot of character. It’s amazing how you can know her through her love for plants. And it's incredible, how in a way, every plant, flower or fungi has a story to tell about Beatrix Potter, cementing what a big part of her life this subject was when I only knew she illustrated picture books.
I wasn’t well versed with her style and I was impressed. The amount of detail in some of the pieces, even just being sketches or practices, was so accurate and clean that inspired me to notice plants with a new lens so I can add them to my own art.
I do have to mention that it's a bit annoying that the images get blurry and pixilated if I try to zoom in on them, so I couldn’t examine them as I would’ve liked.
Going through the book was a bit lengthy, however I was enchanted with the paintings and the stories. Totally recommend for artists, after all it is good to learn about other people’s work and processes, as well as, for inspiration.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Received an ARC from netgalley and this book was so beautiful. I had no idea she was that talented of an artist and her depictions of flowers were so whimsical. I enjoyed reading about her early life and the different types of flowers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A lovely book of Potter's botanical paintings, interspersed with interesting stories about the author and insight into her practice. A must for Beatrix Potter fans or watercolourists.
Thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press.
Thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A lovely book. Part biography part nature writing filled with beautiful art work from Beatrix herself. Focus on plants and fungi. Really enjoyed this read. Thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Timber Press and Marta McDowell for this sweet and whimsical experience.
I’m a life long devotee of Beatrix Potter, and this book made me feel like a carefree child again. It’s beautiful and informative and if I could crawl inside a book and live, it would be this one.
I’m a life long devotee of Beatrix Potter, and this book made me feel like a carefree child again. It’s beautiful and informative and if I could crawl inside a book and live, it would be this one.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews