Taming the Potted Beast

The Strange and Sensational History of the Not-So-Humble Houseplant

by Molly Williams

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Pub Date Sep 13 2022 | Archive Date Sep 13 2022

Home & Garden

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Description

The colorful, peculiar history of the houseplant—from ancient Rome to Victorian England to Instagram—a botanical adventure full of histrionic highs, devastating lows, and sensational turning points along the way.

From the hanging gardens of Babylon to that fiddle-leaf fig in your living room, houseplants have been humanity's companions for a millennia. Taming the Potted Beastexplores the history of our air-purifying friends with an entertaining narrative of the peculiar, often dramatic story of the cultivation and domestication of the not-so-humble houseplant.

Including entertaining historical vignettes, DIY plant projects, and accessible tips and tricks for caring for your own historical houseplant collection, this book has any plant-curious reader covered. Readers will come away with practical projects, expert advice, and an understanding of the historical significance of houseplants as well as an appreciation of the cultures from which they emerged.

Both fascinating and fun, Taming the Potted Beast will take readers on exhilarating botanical adventure through the ages.

A Note From the Publisher

We regret this e-galley is not available for Kindle viewing.

Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9781524869007
PRICE	$24.99 (USD)
PAGES	272

Additional Information

Average rating from 27 members

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Featured Reviews

Jessica R, Reviewer

This was such a fun read. I am an avid houseplant lover so this was right up my alley. From the very first page I knew I was going to love everything about this. It is fun, witty, clever. and full of sage advice so you can be successful with your houseplants. The illustrations are just beautiful. I loved this so much! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Kasey C, Reviewer

If you're an enthusiastic plant parent and a history buff, this book was literally written for you! I love my houseplants (thanks, lockdown!) and I found this book extremely interesting! This book helped me find a little more appreciation for my favorite plants that bring me joy daily. Maybe now I'll actually remember to water them more consistently....