*Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!*

You could show me any book with something along the lines of "History of flowers" or "Language of flower" and it would be an instant buy.

I really enjoyed this book. Though, that being said, as someone who has read and owns a plethora of flower books, this one didn't really stand out to me. I thought it was interesting and informative but also just okay. It is nice to have multiple reference points though, and see how the history of different flowers could be viewed different through different lenses though (by which I mean that having multiple books on the same subject is interesting and it's always nice to see new perspectives). 3/5 Stars

If you enjoy growing flowers, having a large flower garden, appreciating flowers or having flowers around this is an interesting book. History in general might be what interests you the most. This book provides a fascinating history of 60 flowers. Knowing the history of flowers might be of interest when designing a flower garden. Maybe not before looking at this book, but it might after. Generally, we think of the looks of the flower when deciding what to put in a garden or landscaping. We also consider the smell. There are some unique flower names. I have wondered about the story behind the name of some flowers and she tells us. I have some favorite flowers or flowers I like and she lets us know the history of different flowers and their origin. All of these details are extremely interesting. It is even more dynamic than you would have thought. You will find stories of pioneers and royalty -- there is so much more and how they discovered flowers or cultivated these beautiful flowers. The illustrations are are eye-catching as what is being shown us and do the flowers justice.

As a voracious learner, it was a delight to tuck into this book full of interesting floral anecdotes and histories. There is no need to know about each of the selected flowers but there is joy in finding out. Each flower has its own section with a brief history and its name origin. These lovely little tidbits are interesting and easy to digest. The illustrations are beautiful. It’s a five out of five on the enjoyment scale!

I thought this was a beautiful little book, full fascinating snippets. I really enjoyed it and would like to buy a copy to dip into it every now and then.

This was a beautifully written and illustrated book.
The origins of the flowers were well told and very informative. The cross over between history, fact and culture was so well done.

A Short History of Flowers: The Stories that Make Our Gardens by Advolly Richmond - A Must-Read for Garden Enthusiasts

Rating: 5 Stars

If you're a lover of gardens, flowers, or simply enjoy fascinating stories, "A Short History of Flowers" by Advolly Richmond is a book that deserves a place on your bookshelf. In this captivating work, garden and social historian Advolly Richmond delves into the enchanting histories of 60 flowers that have left an indelible mark on our gardens.

Richmond's exploration takes readers on a journey through time, uncovering the origins, names, and intriguing tales behind beloved garden flowers. From the exotic bougainvillea stumbled upon by a daring 18th-century botanist to the charming snowdrop that has captivated hearts for centuries, each flower is brought to life through stories of exploration, love, and courage.

One of the standout features of this book is the stunning artwork by award-winning botanical illustrator Sarah Jane Humphrey. The illustrations beautifully complement Richmond's narratives, making each flower leap off the page and into the reader's imagination.

Personally, I was drawn in by the book's exquisite cover and the wealth of knowledge it contains. It's not just a book about flowers; it's a treasure trove of history, culture, and human ingenuity. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, "A Short History of Flowers" is a delightful read that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the flowers that grace our gardens. This book would make a thoughtful gift for anyone with a green thumb or a passion for botanical wonders.

In conclusion, "A Short History of Flowers" is a delightful blend of storytelling, history, and art that will enchant readers of all ages. Advolly Richmond has crafted a masterpiece that celebrates the enduring allure of flowers and the profound impact they have had on our lives. This book is a true gem that deserves a special place in every garden lover's collection.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Garden and social historian Advolly Richmond (of Gardener’s World ) unravels the surprising histories of 60 flowers that shape our gardens.

Very informative and well-constructed! I learned a lot!

I adored this book on flowers! The short stories about beautiful blooms were a perfect match for my passion. So glad I read it!

I'll suggest my florist offer copies for sale.

I'm about to get back into gardening when we move to our new house soon. Richmond's book reminded which plants and flowers I loved the most and would lilke to grow again.
The illustrations are stunning - I'd love to see cards, wrapping paper etc made with these images :-)

"A Short History of Flowers: The Stories That Make Our Gardens" by Advolly Richmond presents a captivating exploration of the botanical world, weaving together enchanting narratives that transcend time. The lush imagery throughout the book is truly breathtaking, evoking the splendor of each flower and the essence of nature's beauty. Richmond skillfully connects the flora of today to its historical significance, uncovering fascinating tales that add depth and intrigue to our understanding of these delicate blooms. From ancient myths to modern-day cultivation practices, each page blooms with the rich tapestry of floral history, making this book a delightful journey for both garden enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Rating: 4* of five

I needed something uncomplicatedly pretty. I expect y’all do, too.

There. Springtime sorted. My blogged review contains uploaded images provided by the publisher to show the beautiful illustrations.

Of course, this being Reality, there are no uncomplicated pleasures. The stories of how your favorite flowers got to your garden is tied up with colonialism, capitalism, and the endless intertwining of greed and ownership between them.

Advolly Richmond does a far more deft job of making the connections than I have. She had a lot more room than I did.

The table of contents is like a really good garden’s plan, expansive and filled with beautiful sights. Richmond’s expertise is writing about the domesticated plants we adorn our built environment with, aka gardening. She has practiced the craft long enough to have honed her execution of it into art.

The fact that I myownself find the flower-gardening madness that so many of y’all suffer from inexplicable, and the money y’all lavish on it borderline obscene, does not mean I do not see and appreciate the beauty of the plants themselves.

I still think that the water, fertilizer, and hours of labor *should* be spent on growing vegetables.

A charming book. I love flowers and history so really enjoyed reading a book that combined them. Definitely recommend!

Both comprehensive and to-the-point, A Short History of Flowers is a fascinating compendium of our favourite blooms and their lesser-known histories. A perfect pick for garden lovers and historians alike, its unique and informative pages, filled with beautiful illustrations, would make the perfect addition or gift.
Its many short entries also make it an excellent coffee table or waiting room book, or something to read in smaller amounts in between work or transport.

I absolutely loved this book about flowers! I really enjoyed reading all those short stories about some of the most beautiful flowers you can find. I am passionate about flowers and it was totally a book for me! I am very happy to have read it!

A beautifully illustrated book referencing the origins and history of sixty different flowers. The author has done a great deal of research to able to explain why flowers have a certain name and why they became so popular. A gem of a book, this would make a delightful gift for any keen gardener. Many thanks to Net galley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book is just beautiful. The anrt of the flowers is just beautiful. I feel like I could put them all in frames and give them as a present or make a memory wall from them. I would get this book as a coffee table book for an avid lover of flowers. Being able to see them and read what they are like was beautiful and brought back many memories. I like the little stories that go along with each flower and what kind of history they have.
Beautiful book!

Thank you to NetGalley for this wonderful ARC of flowers,🌸

Beautiful book! Flower histories are an auto-read for me and I love that I always come away with a new tidbit about my favorite flowers from books like this.

An absolutely enchanting read.

As an avid gardener, I have nostalgic memories with most of the flowers in this book, but I was enthralled to learn the backstories of their origins and meet the fearless explorers who took great risks to share their discoveries with the wider world at large.

Full of well-researched vignettes and gorgeous illustrations, I felt as though I'd stumbled into a hidden garden, rooted in history, intrigue and stunningly timeless beauty.

The illustrations for the flowers in this book are wonderfully rendered and actually useful. The little histories that accompany each flower were very insightful. I liked how the author made a point to highlight women's contributions to botany and the migrations of plants over the years. I do wish the author would have gone further and tried to include the local or native common names of the flowers. While the book is called 'A Short History of Flowers', it would have been more apt to call it 'A Short History of Flowers of the English Garden', since the book does center the British and European audience. The individual floral histories only begin at the time of their discovery by European explorers and often focus on how the flowers gained popularity in the West, as opposed to their significance elsewhere.
I still do appreciate books such as this that can take something as simple as a forgotten English Garden and weave a tale that loops in the Age of Exploration, Imperialism and Colonization, Royal family histories, the insider scoop of the gardening and botanist community, and much more.

I love the illustrations in the book. The descriptions and history of the flowers were very informative and I genuinely enjoyed reading this. It is a short read and I think people who love to know more information about flowers, this is the perfect book for them.