"Until we begin to care deeply about the world's plants, we will never protect them adequately."

Botanic gardens are more than just pleasant, relaxing spaces to delight the senses. They are meant to preserve plant species while educating the public on conservation and the importance of green spaces on our planet. Edwards' beautiful book is filled with lush photos of gardens from around the world, which show a wide variety of plants and biomes. It's a lovely and informative book, and one that would be a joy to peruse during the harshest winter.

This book included lots of beautiful photography and information on these wonderfully created botanical spaces.

Book Review: The Botanic Garden: The World’s Greatest Botanical Sanctuaries by Ambra Edwards

Rating: 4 Stars

As a plant lover and an avid (indoor) gardener, I was absolutely thrilled to dive into Ambra Edwards' The Botanic Garden. This beautifully crafted guide takes readers on a breathtaking journey through nearly 30 of the most stunning botanical gardens across the globe. From the vibrant landscapes of San Francisco to the lush greenery of Cape Town, each garden is presented with a rich blend of history, scientific importance, and, of course, sheer beauty.

What struck me the most about this book is how it celebrates the diversity of botanical gardens from every continent. Edwards doesn’t just list these sanctuaries; she brings them to life with vivid descriptions and stunning photographs that capture the essence of each space. It's not just a visual feast, but also an informative one, exploring the role these gardens play in research, conservation, and education. Did you know that some of these gardens house rare and endangered species? It’s fascinating to see how they contribute to our understanding of plant life and environmental health.

I particularly enjoyed the layout of the book. Each featured garden is given several pages, complete with an index for easy navigation. This makes it not only a great read but also a handy reference for anyone looking to visit these incredible places. Whether you're planning a trip or simply want to enjoy the beauty from your couch, this guide has something for everyone.

Overall, The Botanic Garden is a gorgeous tribute to the wonderful world of botanical gardens. Edwards’ passion for these spaces shines through her writing, making it an engaging read for anyone interested in plants or nature. I would definitely recommend this book to fellow garden enthusiasts or anyone looking to appreciate the beauty and diversity of our planet's flora. It may not be perfect—there's always room for more gardens to be featured—but I’m giving it a solid four stars for its stunning visuals and rich, informative content.

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

"The very first botanic gardens we know of were trophy gardens, where rulers in the ancient world amassed exotic plants as spoils of conquest and symbols of their power. And every significant culture appears to have created gardens of medicinal plants, whether in ancient India and China, Aztec Mesoamerica or medieval European Christendom."

This is a book rich in collation on major botanic gardens from all over the world. Ambra Edwards is garden-writer. Her collation of Botanic gardens and their habitats' plants is worth reading. However, she seems to be very much involved in telling about how its only Dutch East India Company that did everything in this field by spreading varieties of plant species over the world which seems more like sycophancy than fact.
She must learn more on medicinal plants' abodes in the natural vegetation of Himalayas in India from where whole Ayurveda evolved & driven all over earth. Still many do not know all the usage of each plants out their and in varied manners, as most prominent Ayurveda practicing scientists do. Even Plastic surgery was firstly known to Indians only from the times of "Sushruta (1000–800 BC)" who was known as the "Father of Plastic Surgery" for his epitome work in nasal reconstruction, which is still in use in different kind of versions today. His work is documented in his hand written work 'Sushruta Samhita', the etiology of more than 1,100 diseases and the use of thousands of medicinal plants. Was that really possible then for him to no t have proper garden with all such plants?

For Botanical garden theory I found facts so fascinating on the preservation and keep holds of variety of species, but on India knew very less on the subject gave me statistics which are factually wrong. This is because our old scriptures were stating different documented records.
I really like the preservation techniques specially "cryo-storage, in which plant tissues or seeds are plunged into vats of liquid nitrogen at temperatures as low as −196°C (−320°F). Under these conditions, plant tissue ages very slowly and can be kept in storage almost indefinitely. This has proved extremely successful for storing rainforest species, around half of which cannot survive being dried."

Overall, this is a good study I got on the topic and would appreciate author's efforts on the subject.

I received this DRC from NetGalley.

The beginning is a long intro about conservation and all that, which is good to know, but bogged it down for me when I was expecting a book about specific gardens and photography. After that, it gave overviews of several gardens from around the world, each with its own different style, which was interesting. I was expecting a lot of greenhouse pictures, but it wasn't that. The photography in general was pretty good, but as always with these kinds of books, I'd prefer more photos to get a real feel of the gardens. The aerial shots did help with that, though, as did the background information for each garden.

Ambra Edwards' *Botanic Gardens of the World* is a visually stunning and deeply informative guide that takes readers on a global journey through some of the most spectacular and significant botanical havens. This richly illustrated volume celebrates the beauty and diversity of botanic gardens across every continent, showcasing their vital roles in conservation, research, and education.

From the urban oasis of Brooklyn Botanic Garden to the lush landscapes of Brazil’s Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, and from the historic charm of Oxford Botanic Garden to the vibrant flora of Thailand’s Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, Edwards masterfully curates a collection of gardens that span the globe. Each garden is presented with captivating detail, highlighting its unique features, plant collections, and historical context.

Edwards' narrative brings these gardens to life, offering readers an immersive experience into their lush environments. She delves into the origins and evolution of each garden, providing insights into their contributions to plant science and conservation efforts. The book is not only a visual feast, adorned with exquisite photography of ferns, cacti, orchids, and more, but also an educational journey that underscores the importance of these spaces in preserving plant diversity and fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world.

The guide is a celebration of the sensory pleasures these gardens offer, from the vivid colors of blooming orchids to the tranquil beauty of ancient trees. Edwards' expertise and passion for botany shine through as she describes the intricate details and broader significance of these gardens, making it a must-read for plant enthusiasts and casual readers alike.

*Botanic Gardens of the World* serves as both a travelogue and a tribute to the artistry and science of botanic gardens. Whether you are a seasoned gardener, a lover of nature, or simply seeking inspiration for your next adventure, this book provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of some of the world’s greatest botanical treasures.

The Botanic Garden by Ambra Edwards is a feast for the senses, jam packed with information and sumptuous photography. What a stunning book to get lost in! I'm a master gardener and learned a great deal more about topics including the history of botanic gardens, "plant blindness", numbers of plant species in the world, recovery and restoration, seed banks and tissue culture, in situ conservation and biodiversity.

Specific details such as the old 1585 Padua palm, unknown plants popping up in Oxford walls, intriguing Berlin-Victoria amazonica leaves, mind blowing Huntington Desert Garden in California, carnivorous plants and spectacular Canary Island trees prompted me to do further digging. I'm grateful to have visited many botanic gardens and am always in awe of their incredible beauty and unique features.

Whether you have a cursory, novice or professional interest in gardens, do not miss this book. New plant species are discovered regularly which is wonderful. Our world continues to intrigue and surprise!

My sincere thank you to Quarto Publishing Group-White Lion and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this inspiring book. I absolutely loved it!

‘The Botanic Garden’ by Ambra Edwards takes readers on a beautiful journey through some of the world's most stunning botanical gardens. The book combines lush photography with detailed descriptions, offering a rich and immersive experience for garden enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Accuracy: ★★★★☆

The information presented in the book appears well-researched and accurate. Edwards provides thorough details about the history, design, and unique features of each garden. The botanical facts and descriptions are precise, adding to the book's credibility and educational value.

Perspective: ★★★★☆

Edwards offers a well-rounded perspective on botanical gardens, highlighting their importance in conservation, education, and recreation. The book emphasizes the diversity and cultural significance of these gardens, showing how they reflect the unique characteristics of their locations and histories.

Relevance: ★★★★☆

In a time when environmental awareness is increasingly important, ‘The Botanic Garden’ is a relevant read. It underscores the vital role of botanical gardens in preserving plant diversity and educating the public about environmental stewardship. The book's focus on beautiful, sustainable spaces resonates with contemporary concerns about nature and conservation.

Engagement: ★★★★★

The book is highly engaging, with captivating narratives and stunning visuals. Edwards' descriptions are vivid and evocative, transporting readers to each garden. The combination of storytelling and photography makes it easy to become absorbed in the beauty and uniqueness of each location.

Readability: ★★★★☆

The readability is excellent, with clear, concise writing that makes complex botanical information accessible to a broad audience. Edwards' prose is elegant yet straightforward, ensuring that readers of all backgrounds can appreciate the content without feeling overwhelmed by technical jargon.

Enjoyment: ★★★★☆

‘The Botanic Garden’ is a highly enjoyable read. The beauty of the gardens and the richness of their histories make for a fascinating and pleasurable experience. Whether you're a gardening enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates nature's beauty, this book is likely to leave you inspired and awed.


Ambra Edwards' ‘The Botanic Garden’ is a delightful exploration of some of the world's most beautiful and significant botanical gardens. With accurate information, a balanced perspective, and engaging storytelling, the book offers a comprehensive and visually stunning tribute to these green spaces. Its relevance to contemporary environmental issues and its readability makes it a valuable addition to any nature lover's library. The book's enjoyment factor is high, making it a wonderful gift or personal indulgence for anyone who finds joy in the natural world.

Thank to NetGalley for providing a digital ARC in return for an honest review.

THE BOTANIC GARDEN is a lavishly illustrated book of the world’s most important and beautiful botanical gardens. If you love plants, green spaces, and travel, this is a book you’ll surely return to again and again. I’ve been to a few of the gardens profiled in this book and it was a joy to revisit them in these pages. And of course, this book also stoked my desire to visit the botanical gardens I haven’t been to yet! The lovely photos are accompanied by text from Ambra Edwards, who is a gifted and erudite garden writer. Highly recommended.

This is an absolutely beautiful book from start to finish. There are so many beautiful botanicals contained within its pages and it makes me want to visit each of these places. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this history and tour of botanic gardens even in digital format, but this will be a fantastic coffee table book because it's both gorgeous and informative. Each featured garden gets a nice amount of pages, and plant-loving armchair travelers will love this book!

This was an interesting book about the history and more of Botanic Gardens and it was a great book to leaf though if you want to see pictures. Great coffee table book.

Right now it is very hot and steamy where I live. What better way to escape the misery than to visit some gardens virtually. There are twenty-seven destinations in these pages and my local garden is even included.

Begin with the detailed and informative introduction and then travel to Oxford, Berlin, Singapore, Missouri, New York, Mauritius, Belize and more locales in these pages. Each entry is packed with information and illustrations.

I now feel even more strongly that whenever I travel, I will look for local gardens. This book will be enjoyed by all who love what nature provides.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

This was a very delightful and informative read, since I personally don't have much knowledge when it comes to this topic but I enjoyed every second of it.

This gorgeous guide with the most stunning photos and info-rich text introduces readers to nearly 30 of the world's most spectacular botanic gardens, with a history of the concept, several pages on each featured garden, and an index for ease of searching throughout the book. Highly recommended!

This wonderful coffee table book is full to the brim with gorgeous photographs and insightful commentary about the history, diversity, beauty and importance of the world’s botanical gardens! I definitely think it would be a perfect gift for any lover of travel and flora, and it definitely gave me inspiration for future trips.

As a regular visitor to Kew Gardens, I loved reading that section and did learn a few facts I didn’t know before about my one of my favourite places. The UK features heavily with Oxford and Edinburgh also put under the spotlight!

I was amazed and fascinated by some of the more unusual gardens with their unique features… the brightly coloured birds of Rio De Janeiro, the cacti of the Huntington Desert Garden and the cascading waterfall of Cibodas Botanical Garden, Indonesia. My favourite section was probably the iconic history of Singapore Botanic Gardens.

I’ll definitely be looking out for a physical copy and I’m grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for sharing an advance digital edition for review consideration.

A photographic journey through the world's most beautiful and famous botanical gardens. I am also quite lucky, because some of them I have seen live. Coffee table book, but definitely good for the eyes.

un viaggio fotografico attraverso i piú belli e famosi orti botanici del mondo. Sono anche abbastanza fortunata, perché alcuni li ho visti dal vivo. Libro da tavolino, ma sicuramente fa bene agli occhi.

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

This is probably one of the best books about botanic gardens out there.
The Botanic Gardens talks about botanic gardens from every continent in detail and with amazing, representative pictures.
Some books give you comfort and joy and this is one of them.
It is more of a reference book and you can start with any entry but, reading I recommend reading the history of botanic gardens before the entries. I had little knowledge to the history of them prior to reading this book.
If my nature and plant lover father were alive, this would have made a perfect gift him - on a personal note. It can make a lovely gift.
I will read this book again and again.

I am no connoisseur of botanical gardens, but I do like to visit them from time to time. The cover image grabbed my attention first, as it reminded me of greenhouses that I have visited. And then, reading that the botanical garden from my home country was featured as one of the sanctuaries in this book, I had to get the ARC.
Ngl, I didn't read all of it, but I did leaf through it all. Concerning the parts that I did read, I enjoyed the history, and the evident hard work that went into gathering proper information and translating that into easily readable texts for readers.
The pictures are also superb!

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.