The illustrations in this book are absolutely GORGEOUS! Truly worth the price of the book on their own! The writing style is lovely, and I found myself so engaged that I didn’t even realize I was retaining information about the plants from that era. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in gardening, history, or anything related to Jane Austen. It’s a delightful read! I hope you enjoy it too!

I’m not sure what I expected, but I was happy to be surprised. This book is not just a drawing for each time of flora is a Jane Austen time period. Instead, there is a bit of history included along with charming drawings. There are recipes and craft directions. I think crafty people will be charmed and eager to try some of them. This will be a nice gift for Jane Austen / Victorian Era fans.

Informative and engaging piece of how gardens and plants were cultivated in both Jane Austen's time, as well as in her works. Molly Williams gives context to to modern audiences how Austen used direct references and allusions to certain plants that would have been understood by readers of the nineteenth century. Austen's books were used to discuss a variety of plants cultivated during the time, as well as different green spaces (landscape gardens, hedgerows, conservatories, etc.) that she and her characters would have visited. Activities included in each section allow for readers to engage with the text.
History of plants and excerpts from the novels could become tedious and repetitive, but overall an enjoyable read for both Jane Austen fans and history lovers alike.

Flowers and herbs, fruits and vegetables, mazes and ponds, delightful conservatories and wide parklands. Welcome to 1800's England. In this beautifully illustrated coffee table book we're exploring the natural world as described in Jane Austen's novels.
Packed with general information, craft projects, history and architectural delights, this book is sheer joy.
The writing is engaging, the chapters short enough to hold the reader's attention, the craft projects easy to follow.
A helpful Regency Horticultural Language glossary is included.
Jane Austen's Garden is one to leave out on your table and keep browsing to your heart's content, so pretty!

Thank you Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the ARC.

Jane Austen's Garden is an incredibly well-researched and cozy book that satisfied my cottage core Regency-era dreams. Williams put incredible care into writing this book, and the color palate and illustrations perfectly complement the subject matter and overall vibes. I immediately recommended this book to my friends and will be purchasing a physical copy soon. Jane Austen's Garden is amazingly informative and fun to read.
I look forward to trying the projects referenced under the Cultivating Jane sections!

Molly Williams’ Jane Austen’s Garden is a beautiful and charming book that explores the plants and gardens of Jane Austen’s time. It looks at the flowers, fruits, and vegetables that would have been found in Regency-era gardens and even includes references to Austen’s novels where these plants appear. The book also offers fun DIY projects and gardening tips, making it both informative and interactive.

One of the highlights is Jessica Roux’s gorgeous illustrations, which make this a lovely coffee table book. While it doesn’t dive deeply into Austen’s novels, it does give a great sense of the natural world she lived in. It’s a wonderful book for those who love gardening, history, or simply want a glimpse into Austen’s surroundings.

If you’re looking for deep literary analysis, this book might not be for you. But if you enjoy learning about gardens and want a visually stunning read, this will be a great choice. It would make a perfect gift for Austen fans, gardeners, or anyone who loves the beauty of the Regency era.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reading copy of this wonderful book. I have always loved Jane Austen and her work, and I was so excited to receive a copy of this book. The illustrations were so nicely done, and complimented the information very well. I liked that it was a mixture of information from so many different areas of Jane Austen’s life. I probably won’t be crafting along with Jane, but I’m sure someone much craftier would love the recipes. I can’t wait to see the print version when it’s released in March 2025!

This book was absolutely beautiful! Filled with illustrations, descriptions of gardens, flowers, fruits, and DIYs, it is truly breathtaking on every page. I especially loved that quotes from different Austen novels were incorporated throughout, and I definitely think I will be adding this to my Austen collection in the near future. If you are a fan of nature, DIY crafts, and Jane Austen like myself, then you will absolutely adore this book.

This is an enchanting and gorgeous look at the gardens and greenery, flowers and fruits in Jane Austen's novels.

I really enjoyed it! I loved how with each description of the flower, tree, shrub, etc., there's an excerpt of where it is mentioned in an Austen novel, along with a summary of the history and the cultural significance of the plant. Not only does it talk about what would be in Jane Austen's books, but what kind of gardens she experienced and how she incorporated them and what was in them into her writing

Besides the terrific descriptions and thoughtful insight, the illustrations were gorgeous.

There are a few DIY projects that I thought were nice.

This book made me want to go back and read all of Jane Austen's books!

This book is beautifully presented with information about each plant, excerpts from Jane's writing that mentions the plant, and some crafts and activities themed to the content of the book. It didn't add to my understanding of Jane's novels, but if you are interested in the visual landscapes of the regency era, this book will be for you

5/5 Stars - A Lush, Thoughtful Exploration of Austen’s World Through the Lens of Nature

Jane Austen's Garden: A Botanical Tour of the Classic Novels by Molly Williams is a unique and thoroughly captivating book that will appeal to both Jane Austen devotees and garden enthusiasts. Williams does an extraordinary job of weaving together Austen’s rich literary world with the beauty and symbolism of gardens, plants, and flowers—elements that played an important role in her novels and the broader context of Regency-era society.

From the very first page, readers are drawn into an elegant exploration of how gardens and horticultural practices were woven into the fabric of Austen’s storytelling. Williams offers fascinating insights into the gardens that featured in the novels, such as the famous “leafy walks” in Pride and Prejudice, and explains how these settings not only reflected the social dynamics of the time but also underscored the moral and emotional landscapes of the characters. For example, the rose garden in Sense and Sensibility becomes a symbol of love, loss, and healing, while the labyrinthine garden in Northanger Abbey mirrors the heroine's confusion and her journey toward self-discovery.

One of the most delightful aspects of the book is how it connects specific plants, flowers, and garden elements to the characters and themes of Austen’s novels. For instance, the meticulous cultivation of a formal garden is paralleled with the social structures of the time, where appearances and propriety were paramount. Williams masterfully examines how these elements were not just decorative but deeply reflective of the internal states of Austen's characters. Gardens, in Austen’s world, are where private conversations and revelations take place, often offering a backdrop for important emotional developments.

The book is broken down into chapters dedicated to different types of gardens, from the wild, overgrown hedgerows of Mansfield Park to the more restrained and formal gardens of Emma. This structure allows Williams to dive deeply into the specifics of each garden type while linking them to broader historical gardening trends and the social conditions of the early 19th century. Each chapter includes an analysis of a particular plant or flower featured in the novel, often accompanied by historical context, cultural significance, and how that specific plant mirrored or enhanced the characters’ journey.

But Jane Austen's Garden is not just an academic treatise—it’s a beautifully designed and accessible book. The illustrations by Jessica Roux are absolutely stunning, capturing the essence of Regency gardens with vibrant and detailed artwork. The botanical drawings alone are worth the price of the book, as they bring the world of Jane Austen to life in full color, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the historical beauty of the era.

One of the most unique and charming aspects of the book is the inclusion of "Cultivating Jane" sections—practical gardening tips and projects inspired by the novel's themes. These hands-on activities, such as creating your own lavender sachets or constructing a simple Regency-style flower arrangement, make the book interactive and personal. It invites readers to not only appreciate the beauty of Austen's world but to actively participate in bringing that beauty into their own homes. For those who enjoy gardening or simply love to experiment with DIY projects, these sections provide an added layer of connection to the text and its historical context.

What makes Jane Austen's Garden especially remarkable is the depth of research Williams has done. Her understanding of both Austen’s novels and the history of Regency horticulture is evident in the way she effortlessly links the two. The book is educational yet never dry or overly academic—it’s a captivating exploration that both entertains and informs. Williams’ writing is accessible and filled with warm, engaging language, ensuring that even readers without a background in gardening or historical studies can easily follow along and enjoy the journey.

The layout and design of the book are also exceptional. The typography, the soft color palette, and the inclusion of historical anecdotes create an immersive reading experience. This is a book that feels as much like an experience as it does a piece of literary scholarship. It’s the perfect addition to any Austen collection, but it also stands alone as a beautiful and thoughtful meditation on the power of nature, beauty, and the written word.

In conclusion, Jane Austen's Garden is a delightful and thoroughly enriching read. It not only provides new insights into Austen’s works but also invites readers to engage with her world in a tactile and meaningful way. Whether you’re a lifelong Jane Austen fan or a newcomer to her novels, this book is an essential addition to your library. It’s an elegant, informative, and beautifully crafted work that brings the lushness of Austen’s literary landscapes to life—both through the written word and through the beauty of nature.

As a country girl and a fan of Jane Austen I felt this book was written for people like me. If anything my Instagram feed is proof of how much I adore gardens and flowers and woodlands. Jane Austen books showcase a love for such spaces from providing a place to our heroines away from families to providing a beautiful literary atmosphere for the reader. This book is a beautiful journey through the botanical characters of Austen's books. The language and phrasing in the book is so beautiful perfect homage to Austen. Coming to illustrations, they are beautiful and elegant, elevating and complimenting the book in the most beautiful way.

The book has plants mentioned in the Jane Austen books and gives us a brief history of how the plants and trees came to England and my favourite part was things you can make with them, from lavender water and natural dye, to designing a possy bouquet. Also it has tips on growing some of the mentioned plants like strawberries and potatoes.

This is a beautiful book both in all ways the writing, the cover and the illustrations. 4❤️/5

Definitely not what I thought it was. While I appreciate that history behind gardening during that time period, it read more like a history book than a fun-lighthearted book about gardening during the Regency period. Overall I would not recommend this book.

What a beautiful book. The illustrations are so wonderful. As an Austen fan, I really enjoyed learning about the flora and fauna of the time, and there are so many adorable DIY craft projects. I really enjoyed these!
The layout of the book really lends itself to be enjoyed in sections rather than in one go.
It would make a beautiful gift for an Austen fan!

This is a charming little glimpse into the horticulture of Jane Austen’s time- with not only references to her beloved writings, but also historical anecdotes about the plants and their uses. Jane’s personal history is also woven throughout. For example, a short page discusses Jane’s family’s kitchen garden at Chawton, before the book begins diving into details about cabbage, currants and other fruits and veggies. The book also advises on how best to cultivate said produce. It’s a basic book, yes, but it’s handy!

*If only the brilliant Mr. Collin’s’ potato line was actually in the book, but sadly, no and so of course don’t expect to see it here*

The book is not an in depth history lesson, but would be a really lovely gift for a devotee of Ms. Austen, or an Anglophile, like myself. I will absolutely be adding this book to my coffee table collection.

Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McMeel for this arc, in exchange for my unbiased review!

This wonderfully charming book by Molly Williams takes you through all the flora that influenced Jane Austen. It would be a delightful gift for a Austen lover or a gardener. Both would find things in the book to keep them amused. Jessica Roux’s illustrations make the book even more lovely. This is sure to be a timeless edition classic to any library.

Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the digital ARC.

Jane Austen’s Garden is a charming, insightful journey through the botanicals that shaped Austen’s world, weaving together history, literature, and nature with grace. Molly Williams offers thoughtful vignettes that illuminate Austen’s life and works, while Jessica Roux’s illustrations are nothing short of masterful—delicate, detailed, and utterly enchanting. This book is a pure delight, a must-have for Austen lovers and garden enthusiasts alike. Bravo!

*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publication company for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review*

This book is essentially a love letter and deep analysis of Jane Austen and her connection to a regency style garden. The book is filled to the brim with the life story of Jane Austen and her connection to various botanical creations that are both referenced throughout her wildly popular books and common during the Regency period that she was alive during.

There are recipes throughout the book for creating different botanical concoctions such as lavender water which comes along with the history, ingredients, and thorough instructions.

It even talks about things that may be found in your kitchen during this period and talks about the proper care for them such as strawberries. There are also places with more in-depth descriptions such as with grapes where we get to learn about their specific references in relation to Jane Austen’s books.

I ultimately recommend this book to gardeners or florists - especially those with a particular love for Jane Austen. It’s definitely incredibly informative and definitely explores what could have been in the garden of Jane Austen.

A perfect gift book for any Janeite who also loves gardens. The illustrations are glorious and I learned so much about the many gardens that figured in Austen's famed novels. I absolutely loved it!

This lovely little book will either thrill or disappoint, depending on what the reader hopes to find between its pages. A gathering of Austen quotations, plant descriptions, garden design, and crafts, it has a little for everyone but perhaps not enough of any one subject to suit some readers.

After the introduction there is a timeline of Austen's life and writings. The chapters that follow cover Flower Gardens, Kitchen Gardens, The Conservatory, Parkland, and Hedgerows. Information about her life is mixed with quotes from her novels, descriptions of plants, and background details on gardens of the time. Spaced throughout the text are also instructions on how to make crafts that were popular in Austen's time or reflect her life in some way.

I was hoping for an examination of the role gardens play in the books, for instance, as places where heroines discover their feelings for the heroes, but this wasn't that type of book. Nothing was talked about in depth. Instead, this has the feel of a coffee table book that you pick up now and then to fill a quiet moment or savor the illustrations. And those illustrations, by Jessica Roux, are lovely. The colors are soft, with a lot of greens and other natural shades. The text, not as smooth as I would like, is absolutely enhanced by them.

The crafts are varied and creative. I was especially interested in making wax flowers and lavender water. The more adventurous might like to try the instructions for brewing Sloe Gin.

There's an illustrated glossary at the back. I doubt anyone needs to have "gardener" defined, but the entries include more information about each item in the Regency era, and shouldn't be skipped. I especially appreciated the illustrations of a ha-ha and shrubberies.

All in all, this isn't for the Janeite who wants a deep dive into Austen's work. It is the perfect book for those with even a casual interest in Austen and her times who like to dabble in different crafts, including plants, or who enjoy looking at lovely garden books and dreaming.

Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book for review.