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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.
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 13, 2026
About the author
Marta McDowell
20 books246 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 - 30 of 37 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an advance copy via NetGalley.
What a joyous book! If you loved Beatrix Potter as a child (me!) and grew up to be a gardener (also me!) this book is a cozy delight. This book pulls from Potter's artwork and writing to elaborate on 65 plants and fungi. Each chapter is only a few pages long; this is a convenient read if you can only have a few minutes here and there. This is simultaneously an art book (from her incredibly good childhood sketches to her studies to her finished works), biography (you learn snippets about her full life out of order), history book (did you know Romans likely brought daffodils to England?), love letter to the Lake District (ugh, I want to visit there so much), to gardening book (I learned more more plants I want to try here in America!). This is a book I wouldn't mind owning in hard copy, because I know my digital galley did not do it justice.
What a joyous book! If you loved Beatrix Potter as a child (me!) and grew up to be a gardener (also me!) this book is a cozy delight. This book pulls from Potter's artwork and writing to elaborate on 65 plants and fungi. Each chapter is only a few pages long; this is a convenient read if you can only have a few minutes here and there. This is simultaneously an art book (from her incredibly good childhood sketches to her studies to her finished works), biography (you learn snippets about her full life out of order), history book (did you know Romans likely brought daffodils to England?), love letter to the Lake District (ugh, I want to visit there so much), to gardening book (I learned more more plants I want to try here in America!). This is a book I wouldn't mind owning in hard copy, because I know my digital galley did not do it justice.
July 14, 2026
Delightful. Fascinating. Informative.
'A rare collection of Beatrix Potter's own botanical art, and an exploration of the role these plants played in her personal and literary life.'
I really enjoyed how this book offers so much information and insight into the life of Beatrix Potter, as well as her love of gardening, and a unique insight into her artwork. I love the illustrations included throughout.
I have enjoyed many Beatrix Potter tales and have loved sharing them with my own children. This book would make a wonderful gift for plant lovers and those who love Beatrix Potter.
'A rare collection of Beatrix Potter's own botanical art, and an exploration of the role these plants played in her personal and literary life.'
I really enjoyed how this book offers so much information and insight into the life of Beatrix Potter, as well as her love of gardening, and a unique insight into her artwork. I love the illustrations included throughout.
I have enjoyed many Beatrix Potter tales and have loved sharing them with my own children. This book would make a wonderful gift for plant lovers and those who love Beatrix Potter.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oh, the idea of gardening with pencil and paintbrush! As someone artistically inept, Beatrix Potter's drawings always inspire awe and joy within me. She recreated nature exactly, allowing it to last longer than just the bloom time- detail that photography couldn't match at the time. Her work has cult followers, young lovers, and dedicated staff working toward maintaining the joy and life she created for decades yet to come- hopefully much longer!
As someone who was mostly familiar with Beatrix Potter through The Tale of Peter Rabbit, the biography at the beginning of the book was a welcome introduction! After reading, I would love to visit Near Sawrey one day as McDowell did! (I will pack rain gear just in case 😉) Once better familiar with the details of her story, readers begin their exploration through a varied collection of plant and fungi watercolor, pencil drawings, and even photographs from Beatrix's world fitted alongside selected narratives connecting each to more detailed snippets of her life and literary work.
The afterword brings readers to modern day: McDowell shares her experience gleaning this information firsthand from varied sources. To see, smell, and feel descendants of the very same plants Beatrix nurtured? What joy to see the "new works" aged so well in honor of the vision Beatrix set forth! What gratitude and connection I felt seeing McDowell's personal pictures- bringing readers to the very garden and buildings where the magic occurred!
This book would make a thoughtful gift for all Beatrix Potter lovers.
Thanks to Timber Press and NetGalley for this ARC copy!
As someone who was mostly familiar with Beatrix Potter through The Tale of Peter Rabbit, the biography at the beginning of the book was a welcome introduction! After reading, I would love to visit Near Sawrey one day as McDowell did! (I will pack rain gear just in case 😉) Once better familiar with the details of her story, readers begin their exploration through a varied collection of plant and fungi watercolor, pencil drawings, and even photographs from Beatrix's world fitted alongside selected narratives connecting each to more detailed snippets of her life and literary work.
The afterword brings readers to modern day: McDowell shares her experience gleaning this information firsthand from varied sources. To see, smell, and feel descendants of the very same plants Beatrix nurtured? What joy to see the "new works" aged so well in honor of the vision Beatrix set forth! What gratitude and connection I felt seeing McDowell's personal pictures- bringing readers to the very garden and buildings where the magic occurred!
This book would make a thoughtful gift for all Beatrix Potter lovers.
Thanks to Timber Press and NetGalley for this ARC copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book Review: Beatrix Potter’s Botanical: The Art of Flowers and Fungi by Marta McDowell
Rating: 4 Stars
As a longtime fan of Beatrix Potter, I was immediately drawn to Beatrix Potter’s Botanical by Marta McDowell, and it did not disappoint. This book offers a beautiful and intimate look at a lesser-known side of Potter—her work as a botanical artist and her deep fascination with plants and fungi.
The book showcases 65 different species that Potter studied and painted, featuring her original pencil sketches and watercolors. It’s fascinating to see these delicate illustrations paired with stories about how these plants featured in her gardens and inspired characters and scenes in her beloved stories. Marta McDowell really brings to light Potter’s role not just as a storyteller, but as a pioneering naturalist with a scientific eye.
One of the first things that caught my eye was the stunning cover—so delightful and inviting! Throughout the book, the illustrations are simply gorgeous, making it a joy to flip through. Beyond the art, I appreciated the wealth of information about Potter’s life and her passion for gardening, which gives a fresh perspective on her work. As someone who has cherished many of Potter's tales, this book felt like a perfect extension of that love.
Overall, Beatrix Potter’s Botanical is a wonderful gift idea for plant enthusiasts and fans of Beatrix Potter alike. It’s engaging, informative, and beautifully presented. I’m giving it 4 stars, it’s a lovely tribute to an extraordinary artist and naturalist.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 4 Stars
As a longtime fan of Beatrix Potter, I was immediately drawn to Beatrix Potter’s Botanical by Marta McDowell, and it did not disappoint. This book offers a beautiful and intimate look at a lesser-known side of Potter—her work as a botanical artist and her deep fascination with plants and fungi.
The book showcases 65 different species that Potter studied and painted, featuring her original pencil sketches and watercolors. It’s fascinating to see these delicate illustrations paired with stories about how these plants featured in her gardens and inspired characters and scenes in her beloved stories. Marta McDowell really brings to light Potter’s role not just as a storyteller, but as a pioneering naturalist with a scientific eye.
One of the first things that caught my eye was the stunning cover—so delightful and inviting! Throughout the book, the illustrations are simply gorgeous, making it a joy to flip through. Beyond the art, I appreciated the wealth of information about Potter’s life and her passion for gardening, which gives a fresh perspective on her work. As someone who has cherished many of Potter's tales, this book felt like a perfect extension of that love.
Overall, Beatrix Potter’s Botanical is a wonderful gift idea for plant enthusiasts and fans of Beatrix Potter alike. It’s engaging, informative, and beautifully presented. I’m giving it 4 stars, it’s a lovely tribute to an extraordinary artist and naturalist.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
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
Filled with exquisite watercolor illustrations, fascinating botanical details and stories from Beatrix Potter’s life, Beatrix Potter's Botanical: The Art of Flowers and Fungi feels like a treasure to savor.
I have long been a fan of Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck, so I jumped at the chance to read this beautiful book. As I immersed myself in these pages, I could almost picture myself wandering the English countryside in the late 1800s alongside Beatrix, pausing to examine the flora and fauna around me. Her curiosity and love for the natural world shine through every page.
Anyone who loves Beatrix Potter’s endearing characters or has an appreciation for botanicals will be delighted by this book. It is equal parts whimsical and informative, with incredibly detailed descriptions and illustrations of plants, fungi, and the natural world. The artistry is truly remarkable.
I enjoyed perusing this book slowly. Well curated and arranged alphabetically, this is the perfect coffee-table book to leave out and pick up whenever you have a few quiet moments. A few pages each day is enough to transport you somewhere peaceful and beautiful.
A lovely book to linger over, admire, and return to again and again. A true delight for Beatrix Potter fans and anyone who finds joy in the beauty of the natural world.
Thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press for this eARC, all opinions are my own.
I have long been a fan of Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck, so I jumped at the chance to read this beautiful book. As I immersed myself in these pages, I could almost picture myself wandering the English countryside in the late 1800s alongside Beatrix, pausing to examine the flora and fauna around me. Her curiosity and love for the natural world shine through every page.
Anyone who loves Beatrix Potter’s endearing characters or has an appreciation for botanicals will be delighted by this book. It is equal parts whimsical and informative, with incredibly detailed descriptions and illustrations of plants, fungi, and the natural world. The artistry is truly remarkable.
I enjoyed perusing this book slowly. Well curated and arranged alphabetically, this is the perfect coffee-table book to leave out and pick up whenever you have a few quiet moments. A few pages each day is enough to transport you somewhere peaceful and beautiful.
A lovely book to linger over, admire, and return to again and again. A true delight for Beatrix Potter fans and anyone who finds joy in the beauty of the natural world.
Thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press for this eARC, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 ★ — Beatrix Potter’s Botanical: The Art of Flowers and Fungi is such a lovely compendium of Potter's beautiful illustrations, filled with exquisite descriptions of each picture and details about the author's life. I have always had a fondness for Potter and her illustrated works, particularly The Tale of Peter Rabbit, which still evokes for me an almost unrivaled sense of serenity.
Beatrix Potter's Botanical opens with a brief biography, but further information is generously sprinkled throughout the entries, leaving the reader with a far more complete, human portrait of the artist behind the stories. What lingers after turning each page is a reminder of what it means to love and cherish the natural world around us. In an age dominated by speed and noise, Potter's studies of botanical elements alone feel like an act of devotion to nature (even without taking into account all the important work she did at Hill Top). She patiently observes a foxglove or a mushroom cap, and then reproduces it beautifully on paper. Not only does this collection showcase Potter's artistic abilities; it also invites us to slow down, look closer, and rediscover the wonder hiding in our own backyards.
Thanks to NetGalley and Timber Press for providing me with an ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.
Beatrix Potter's Botanical opens with a brief biography, but further information is generously sprinkled throughout the entries, leaving the reader with a far more complete, human portrait of the artist behind the stories. What lingers after turning each page is a reminder of what it means to love and cherish the natural world around us. In an age dominated by speed and noise, Potter's studies of botanical elements alone feel like an act of devotion to nature (even without taking into account all the important work she did at Hill Top). She patiently observes a foxglove or a mushroom cap, and then reproduces it beautifully on paper. Not only does this collection showcase Potter's artistic abilities; it also invites us to slow down, look closer, and rediscover the wonder hiding in our own backyards.
Thanks to NetGalley and Timber Press for providing me with an ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.
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 beautifully cozy and thoughtful book that made me appreciate Beatrix Potter not only as a beloved storyteller, but as an artist with a patient and deeply observant eye for the natural world.
I loved how Marta McDowell connects Potter’s flowers, fungi, gardens, and illustrations in a way that feels informative without ever becoming too academic or distant. The artwork is delicate and precise, and it gives the whole book a quiet charm that makes it feel like something to read slowly, preferably with tea nearby and a window open to the garden.
What stayed with me most was the sense of attention behind everything, because the book makes ordinary plants and small natural details feel meaningful, intimate, and worth noticing.
It is also a lovely reminder that Potter’s fictional world feels so alive because it was rooted in real observation, careful drawing, and a genuine love for nature.
A charming, calming, beautifully made volume for readers who love botanical art, cozy nonfiction, gardens, fungi, and the quieter side of literary history.
I loved how Marta McDowell connects Potter’s flowers, fungi, gardens, and illustrations in a way that feels informative without ever becoming too academic or distant. The artwork is delicate and precise, and it gives the whole book a quiet charm that makes it feel like something to read slowly, preferably with tea nearby and a window open to the garden.
What stayed with me most was the sense of attention behind everything, because the book makes ordinary plants and small natural details feel meaningful, intimate, and worth noticing.
It is also a lovely reminder that Potter’s fictional world feels so alive because it was rooted in real observation, careful drawing, and a genuine love for nature.
A charming, calming, beautifully made volume for readers who love botanical art, cozy nonfiction, gardens, fungi, and the quieter side of literary history.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another gorgeous book from Marta McDowell who gave us Beatrice Potter’s Gardening Life. This time she shares Potter’s gorgeous botanical illustrations of flowers and fungi.
The book begins with a brief biography of the artist.
Then, in alphabetical order, chapters discuss the flower or fungi with Potter’s illustrations. The text includes stories about Potter and her books in relation to the subject.
For example, Clematis includes Potter’s mention of the plant in her journal and where she saw it. Illustrations includes her artwork and a photograph of Potter in front of Hill Top house with clematis vines climbing up the facade. McDowell then includes where clematis appears in her books.
A lovely volume to treasure or gift.
Thanks to Timber Press for a free book through NetGalley.
The book begins with a brief biography of the artist.
Then, in alphabetical order, chapters discuss the flower or fungi with Potter’s illustrations. The text includes stories about Potter and her books in relation to the subject.
For example, Clematis includes Potter’s mention of the plant in her journal and where she saw it. Illustrations includes her artwork and a photograph of Potter in front of Hill Top house with clematis vines climbing up the facade. McDowell then includes where clematis appears in her books.
A lovely volume to treasure or gift.
Thanks to Timber Press for a free book through NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I grew up with Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit but I never knew much about the author herself, let alone that she loved gardening.
This is a delightful book that showcases her illustrations of plants. It starts with a detailed but short biography, and each illustration is listed aphebetically and has a story behind it, be it a brief history of the plant, or something about Potter or her books. It's very fascinating to see all the little details about Potter that have survived til today.
McDowell paints a lovely picture in the afterword about her experience gathering this information, and I can tell she's very passionate about both gardening and Potter. I was also pleased to see a citation list at the end! This is the perfect book for those who love Beatrix Potter and plants.
Thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press for the advanced reader’s copy.
This is a delightful book that showcases her illustrations of plants. It starts with a detailed but short biography, and each illustration is listed aphebetically and has a story behind it, be it a brief history of the plant, or something about Potter or her books. It's very fascinating to see all the little details about Potter that have survived til today.
McDowell paints a lovely picture in the afterword about her experience gathering this information, and I can tell she's very passionate about both gardening and Potter. I was also pleased to see a citation list at the end! This is the perfect book for those who love Beatrix Potter and plants.
Thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press for the advanced reader’s copy.
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
Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book and for the opportunity to read it and review it.
As soon as I saw the name “Beatrix Potter” I immediately requested this book. I absolutely love her art, it gives me so much nostalgia, so I was extremely excited to read this. I would describe this book as a combination of a biography and an exploration of Beatrix Potter’s botanical art. I found it really interesting to learn more about her life while also getting a deeper look at this particular side of her work. If you already love Beatrix Potter’s art and want to learn more about her and her botanical work, I highly recommend this book.
As soon as I saw the name “Beatrix Potter” I immediately requested this book. I absolutely love her art, it gives me so much nostalgia, so I was extremely excited to read this. I would describe this book as a combination of a biography and an exploration of Beatrix Potter’s botanical art. I found it really interesting to learn more about her life while also getting a deeper look at this particular side of her work. If you already love Beatrix Potter’s art and want to learn more about her and her botanical work, I highly recommend this book.
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
I loved this colorfully historically and beautifully written book. This was an especially fun read since I have been reading all of her children’s books to my kid. I love how the author draws relationships from plants and flowers Beatrix Potter painted to her book references or her every day life. I wish there were more bleeding heart plant references among her books since the illustration is beautiful. After reading this, I would love to spend a week painting all of these plants at Hill Top myself.
Thank you NetGalley and Marta McDowell for this arc in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you NetGalley and Marta McDowell for this arc in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
A nice little book about Beatrix Potter, with a short biography of her and then a collection of her bloom drawings, sorted alphabetically, each including some information on how she came to draw them, as well as a photograph of Potter or a picture of when and where this specific plant might have featured in one of her children's stories. It was quite a simple but informative book, with information about both the illustrator and the plant, which would make this a nice gift to a Potter fan!
A nice little book about Beatrix Potter, with a short biography of her and then a collection of her bloom drawings, sorted alphabetically, each including some information on how she came to draw them, as well as a photograph of Potter or a picture of when and where this specific plant might have featured in one of her children's stories. It was quite a simple but informative book, with information about both the illustrator and the plant, which would make this a nice gift to a Potter fan!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Truly, Beatrix Potter's Botanical could serve as an essential handguide (or field guide!) for so many aspiring botanists and horticulturists! Filled with exquisite details accompanied by Potter's original illustrations which provide a robust summary of information regarding so many precious flowers and herbs!
This is a highly recommended read for all those closeted plant lovers who adore whimsical illustrations, visits into the fantastical world of children's literature, and learning new knowledge about such prized and favorited flora!
This is a highly recommended read for all those closeted plant lovers who adore whimsical illustrations, visits into the fantastical world of children's literature, and learning new knowledge about such prized and favorited flora!
August 23, 2026
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
If you have a Beatrix Potter lover or gardening lover in your life, this is a book you need to get them! This book was absolutely stunning. From the pictures of Potter's plant/flower artwork to the pictures of pages from her books, this book was pleasing to the eye. I loved reading about how Potter used each plant either in real life, her art, or her books. There were summaries of her life woven throughout the book as well. I highly recommend this to add to any book collection.
#BeatrixPottersBotanical #NetGalley
If you have a Beatrix Potter lover or gardening lover in your life, this is a book you need to get them! This book was absolutely stunning. From the pictures of Potter's plant/flower artwork to the pictures of pages from her books, this book was pleasing to the eye. I loved reading about how Potter used each plant either in real life, her art, or her books. There were summaries of her life woven throughout the book as well. I highly recommend this to add to any book collection.
#BeatrixPottersBotanical #NetGalley
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
I had no idea Beatrix Potter's artistic range, as shown by the variety of sketches and paintings in this collection. The animals, of course, are the best known and so darling, but I really enjoyed seeing all of the botanicals and backstories featured in this book. How lovely to have sprawling gardens for inspiration. But always, Peter Rabbit has my heart. Thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fans of Beatrix Potter will love this new book. It takes a unique look at the florals, leaves, vines, and fungi in her adored children’s books. It shows illustrations you likely have never seen before. The book gives an interesting history of her life as well. The layout is attractive and I enjoyed the family photos too. It is organized alphabetically by plants, which is pleasing. Overall, I truly enjoyed this lovely book.
I received a preview copy from NetGalley.
I received a preview copy from NetGalley.
July 30, 2026
This contains sweet anecdotes from Beatrix Potter’s life combined with her watercolors, sketches, and even photographs she took of plants and fungi.
Recommended for gardeners, anyone interested in art or botany, and all readers of Beatrix Potter’s books!
Huge thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press for the opportunity to enjoy this ARC!
The book’s release is October 13 and I recommend checking it out for yourself! It isn’t a super long book, but it’s darling
Recommended for gardeners, anyone interested in art or botany, and all readers of Beatrix Potter’s books!
Huge thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press for the opportunity to enjoy this ARC!
The book’s release is October 13 and I recommend checking it out for yourself! It isn’t a super long book, but it’s darling
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.
June 13, 2026
This book was beautifully written and I could tell a lot of effort went into it. I actually learned way more than I thought I would about flowers and plants, and I love how the author integrated Beatrix Potter’s (whom I also learned a ton about) life into every aspect of it. The narrator of the audiobook was incredible and the illustrations were beautiful :)
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