This book for the story lover and a flower lover. Every chapter introduces a flower and the mythological importance of that flower. When we read this book, we realize that no flower is ordinary, beneath their beautiful form, there is a rich history, filled with magic and wonder.

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

If you've seen any of my other reviews, you know that I love anything that has to do with history or language of flowers and/or nature. My shelves are home to a ton of different books on nature, flowers, and witch-y related fiction & nonfiction.

I loved that Davies's book had a fresh take on writing about flowers. As opposed to the more common "History of..." of "Language of...," it's a combination of folklore writing and the florals that are found in those folktales. And I love anything having to do with stories passed down through the generations. Definitely recommend. 4/5 Stars

I have never once thought about how florals had meaning behind them. This book was so interesting that I begged my daughter to review as well and she was pleasantly receptive!

This was interesting but not very educational as a folklore book or an herbal guidebook. I'm not sure where I would classify it for the library collection.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. A really interesting book about what different plants are named, what they are good for, and their origins.

**Review of *Floral Folklore***

*Floral Folklore* invites readers into a captivating exploration of the rich tapestry of myths, legends, and historical significance surrounding over forty of nature’s most intriguing plants. This beautifully illustrated volume is both an educational resource and a visual delight, blending botanical knowledge with enchanting folklore to offer a deeper understanding of the natural world.

From the moment you open the book, it becomes clear that *Floral Folklore* is more than just a catalog of plant lore. The full-color illustrations of each plant, accompanied by their visiting creatures, bring the text to life in a vibrant and engaging way. The book’s visual appeal is matched by its informative content, providing insights into the origins and meanings of various plant-related myths and traditions.

The exploration of why buttercups glow under the chin or the ominous name of foxgloves as ‘Deadman’s Bellows’ offers readers a fascinating glimpse into how human cultures have interpreted and assigned meaning to plants over millennia. The anecdotes and stories, ranging from ancient Greek mythology to 19th-century superstitions, are presented with a charming narrative that connects readers to the historical and cultural significance of each plant.

In addition to the folklore, *Floral Folklore* provides practical advice on how readers can incorporate the timeless wisdom of these plants into their daily lives. Each chapter includes a ritual or practice designed to help readers connect more deeply with the teachings of the plants, adding a personal and reflective dimension to the book’s educational content.

For gardeners, foragers, and those interested in horticulture, this book is an invaluable resource. It goes beyond mere plant identification to explore the symbolic and cultural roles that plants have played in human history. The inclusion of both common and traditional plants, from bay and basil to tulips and nightshade, ensures a wide-ranging and inclusive approach that caters to both casual readers and serious enthusiasts.

In summary, *Floral Folklore* is a delightful and insightful journey into the world of plant mythology and practical wisdom. With its stunning illustrations and engaging narrative, it offers a fresh perspective on the natural world and its intersection with human culture. Whether you are a budding horticulturist or simply someone who enjoys the beauty and mystery of plants, this book is a perfect addition to your collection. It’s an ideal gift for those who appreciate the deeper stories behind the flora that adorn our lives and landscapes.

A beautifully illustrated book that explores the folklore that surrounds flowers, from the Carnation being the flower of the dead, to the Lotus being the bringer of life.

"they're not good enough for you, because when they look at you, they see your strength, and that makes them feel afraid"

this is pretty cute and sweet, little, informative time if you have any interests in beautiful artwork, mythology, and medicinal uses and rituals all involving flowers. Super easy to binge read or to pick up with the seasons

Why do buttercups glow when held beneath your chin? Why are bluebells known as fairy phones? Why are foxgloves sometimes given the ominous name ‘Deadman’s Bellows’? And what is the true meaning of a rose?

This book was very informative and beautifully made! A must-read for anyone who loves folklore and mythology!

Thank you to Netgalley and Leaping Hare Press for this ARC.
This book is beautifully illustrated and well laid out. The folk stories themselves were charming, not too lengthy and very easy to read, adding a ritual after each one was a nice touch that I've not yet seen in other works like this one.
I liked that the genus, brief physical description, folklore meaning and origin were included separately from the story itself, it makes it easy to come back to if needed.
A definite must-read for anyone interested in the shadow lives of plants, gardening, horticulture and anything in that realm!

An interesting book with lots of cool flower information. I enjoyed the illustrations, too. Could be enjoyed by children, teens, and adults.

A gorgeous collection of flower facts and fairy tales, Floral Folklore is perfect for the nature lover in your life. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and the stories are wonderfully paced. This would be a great bedtime story book.

Very cute and interesting book. A lot of nice art and interesting stories. You can sorta tell where the medicinal part of some of the plants comes into play. Would recommend.

Alison Davies' "Floral Folklore" is a charming exploration of the myths, legends, and symbolism surrounding over 40 common and captivating plants. More than just a botany book, it's a captivating tapestry woven with history, folklore, and a touch of magic.

What captivated me:

Unique perspective: Davies breathes new life into familiar blooms, revealing their fascinating cultural significance.
Beautifully written: The prose is engaging and evocative, transporting you to a world where flowers whisper secrets.
Organized for easy exploration: Divided by season, the book allows you to delve into blooms associated with each time of year.
Things to Consider:

Focus on cultural narratives: While the book mentions some practical uses of plants, the primary focus is on folklore and symbolism.
Light on scientific details: Readers seeking in-depth botanical information may want to look elsewhere.
"Floral Folklore" is a perfect book for nature enthusiasts, folklore aficionados, and anyone who appreciates the beauty and mystery of the natural world. It's a delightful weekend read or a charming coffee table companion that will make you see your garden in a whole new light.

Highly recommend for gardeners, folklore lovers, and anyone who enjoys a captivating blend of nature and storytelling.

I can say definitively that the organization of this book was amazing. From the way that Davies separated the flowers into the seasons that they bloom in to the way the stories within these seasons flow between each other. It was very well done. The art work was phenomenal and added to the stories being told as well. My main issue was the “location” section of the flowers descriptions. I found it would have been more helpful to the readers understanding if this section had told us when/where in more detain. Instead of stating Greece, she could have stated it was from Ancient Greece. There were also small spelling errors and sometimes in the Greek myth sections she would use Roman myth terms. Venus is the Roman goddess. Aphrodite would be the correct name to use.

This book was really fun and the illustrations were so pretty. I liked how the information for each flower was given under the heading of the season in which you would normally see the flower in nature. Each flower's folklore is unique and the meaning behind their names was interesting to learn. I am going to tell my friends about this book for sure!

This book is adorable. It features each plant with folklore stories and ways to use each plant.

Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.

Sooo beautiful! I really want a physical copy of this book. I am still reading it, but so far I have loved every piece of information it has given me

A very well executed original idea! The stories are not too short and not too long, spanning over many different cultures and believes. The illustrations are very cute and fit the overall theme perfectly. Something a person might rarely buy for themselves, but a perfect gift for lovers of folklore and flowers, to dive into the magical world of floral symbols and their meanings.

I enjoyed this book. I love how we got stories from a lot of different countries, including Greece, Korea, India, Italy, etc. As someone who loves folklore and mythology, this book was right up my alley!

I will say that I found some of the stories a bit difficult to get through or hard to take seriously, especially the Lavender one featuring a story about Cleopatra. It just didn't sit well with me. And at least two had a tale mentioned as being from Greece, yet the Roman names were used.

I still enjoyed it, however, and the little activities found at the end of the sections were a fun addition. I recommend this for anyone interested in flowers and folklore, just be sure to take the stories with a grain of salt.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.