Short History of Flowers

Garden and social historian Advolly Richmond (ofGardener's World) unravels thesurprising histories of 60 flowers that shape our gardens. Have you ever wondered where your favourite garden flowerscame from? Where their names derived? Or why some cultivars goin and out of favour? Every flower in your herbaceous border hasa story, and in this book Advolly Richmond takes you on a tour ofthe most intriguing, surprising and enriching ones. Tales of exploration, everlasting love and bravery bring these beautiful flowers to life. Advolly has dug down to uncover the royalty, scholars, pioneers and a smuggler or two that have all played a part in discovering and cultivating some of our favourite species. From the lavish and exotic bougainvillea, found by an 18thcentury female botanist in disguise to the humble but majestic snowdrop casting a spell and causing a frenzy. These plants have played pivotal roles in our societies, from boom to bust economies, promises of riches and making fashion statements. These unassuming blooms hold treasure troves of stories. With specially commissioned artworks from award-winning botanical illustrator Sarah JaneHumphrey, which sumptuously bring each flower to life this is abeautiful compendium for every garden lover.