Around the World in 80 Plants

by Stephen Barstow

An inspirational journey around the temperate world, introducing Stephen's top 80 perennial leafy green vegetables. The reader is introduced to stories of the wild foraging traditions of indigenous people in all continents. It is of interest to both traditional vegetable and even ornamental gardeners, as well as anyone interested in permaculture, forest gardening, foraging, slow-food, gourmet cooking and ethnobotany. “Stephen Barstow presents fascinating and useful information about his top 80 perennial leafy vegetables including lots of historical references, his and others’ recipe ideas, along with photos and more. Many of these are easily grown and can be ornamental as well as great edibles. This will be a really useful book helping extend the range of food plants for gardeners.” Martin Crawford

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Science, Biology, Nature, Reference, Travel

623 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2013

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

OUTSTANDING! This book covers in detail many perennials that are grown for ornamental reasons that can actually be eaten and probably were eaten by indigenous groups. Then it covers some unusual perennial edibles that you likely haven't heard of. As a bonus, many more plants than 80 are mentioned to look into for your edible gardens. I rarely purchase books, as I find that it is just easier to pick them up at the library. But, my library has not had this book and I am SO glad I bought it. It's worth every penny!

[Foxthyme · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book. And the author has videos available on the net that go along with the book. I had no idea until this book that there were so many lovely edible perennial alliums. And so many many other edible perennials.

This book is geared to more northern climates. Perhaps not quite as cold as my Zone 3, but I still find many plants within this book that I will be searching out and trialing.

My only criticism, and I do hope it is improved with further editions, is the font size and colour. I find that even with my super duper prescription glasses this book is a challenge to read. If you've got better eyesight than me, you may not have a problem at all.

[Autumn Kearney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Around the World in 80 Plants An Edible Perennial Vegetable Adventure in Temperate Climates is an okay book. I expected better descriptions and much more photographs. All the reviews make it sound terrific. I highly disagree.

[Arianna]

The organization of this book made it difficult to access for a gardener

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

More academic/intellectual than practical. While there is good information here it is not organized well enough to be useful. Not a good book for finding new plants to grow or how to grow them.

[Clivemichael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reference and guide.

[Scott Cave · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure what I expected this one, but it was a pleasant read. A profoundly nerdy book about edible leafy plants and how to grow them. Here and there, there are truly astounding stories or interesting details, but the book becomes so bound up in botanical arcana that you lose sight of them. Even if it didn't scratch my rural idyll itch, it seems like it would be a great reference as you try to start a slightly offbeat garden.