Over this past year I have become ever so fascinated by the world of plants and flowers. I believe my love for flowers grew when I spent two months in Bali. The Balinese include flowers in their every day offerings, they create beautiful flower offerings called Canangs to their family temples, deities, elementals, their homes and more. Bringing flowers into daily life is considered a sacred act. This had a profound effect on me spiritually. But before my time in Bali I was developing my skills in botanical illustration and I’ve started keeping a nature journal, alongside this I am also learning about the healing effect of plants and how to make my own remedies, teas and tinctures.
I have chosen five very beautiful books that will quite happily sit on your coffee table for you to leisurely read on a rainy afternoon or for guests to flip through whilst you’re preparing a friendly meal.
Britain’s WildFlowers by Rosamond Richardson
From hedgerows to meadows, wildflowers can be found throughout our green and pleasant land. In this book, journalist and garden writer Rosamond Richardson traces the history and myths behind each flower to discover the fascinating ways in which the plants were used. Discover which flower used as a medieval lie-detector to test the innocence of suspected criminals, or stuffed in the shoes of Roman centurions to prevent damage to their feet as they marched. From periwinkles, beloved of Chaucer, and the oxlips and “nodding violet” growing in the forest of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the book celebrates the important role wildflowers have played in literature, as well as their uses in food and medicine, and the history, myths, and tales behind each species. This book is a celebration of the bountiful history behind Britain’s beloved wildflowers and is perfect for anyone with an interest in gardening, history, or the natural world. Buy the book here: Britain’s Wildflowers
