“The Secrets of Wildflowers: A delightful Feast of Little-Known Facts, Folklore, and History”
This was a Christmas gift and I’ve been losing myself in it on and off through the spring. The word “Feast” in the title is very appropriate – and “delightful” it is too!
Although the focus is on North American flowers, many are also prevalent in Germany and Europe, some even native. In the introduction the author states that his book covers both “natives and immigrants, friends or foes, because both kinds are here and both are interesting”. I like this attitude, as I find so many non-native plants growing wild, and think they are just as valuable as the native ones.
Divided into Spring, Summer, Late Summer and Fall, it is easy to find what is flowering now. Each flower has its own chapter, which gives some botanical information and tells you a little about the plant’s history, the common names given, uses (medicinal, culinary etc) and myths or traditions surrounding it. The chapters are broken up nicely into little chunks – very readable. The botanical details are also fed to the reader in a clear way, without getting too complicated and without being patronizing. I am learning so much and in such an enjoyable tone.
I was immediately impressed because it is the first source I have found that upholds my belief that Hepatica nobilis sometimes gives off a wonderful scent… I was beginning to think it was my imagination, but Sanders quotes the naturalist John Burroughs: “Group after group may be inspected, ranging through all shades of purple and blue, with some perfectly white, and no odor to be detected, when presently you will happen upon a little brood of them that have a most delicate and delicious fragrance.”
Occasionally a poem or quotes are included, even a recipe or two, and the little lesser known details and legends are so fascinating! Did you know, for example, that gypsies used to smoke Coltsfoot leaves (Tussilago) for pleasure? Or that spring violet leaves are extremely high in vitamin C? Or that a German scientist counted 93 species of insect that visited the dandelion flower?…
I shall be reading each chapter as the flower appears here, learning new and interesting facts and enjoying the feast daily. This book gets top marks for writing style AND content. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who loves wild flowers!
I find book reviews very hard to write, yet good ones are so enjoyable to read. This is a good one! This sounds like a book I’ll like. Thank you for the recommendation!
Thanks for such a nice comment Cindy! I think I just couldn’t hide my enthusiasm about this book! ๐
Sounds a great book and a very thoughtful present. I’ll look forward to hearing more.
That’s a good idea – I’ll do another post on it later on in the year with a few fun pieces of information!
Es scheint ein sehr wichtiges Buch zu sein – und unterhaltsam ๐ I could smoke a lot for all the coltsfoot Iยด ve found this spring ๐ And to look on plants, which insects they host, is very interesting.
Have a nice sunday! The sun is shining here ๐ Uta
Thanks Uta. I found a hill full of coltsfoot recently – all going to seed, so I’ll have a supply of leaves for smoking soon too! ๐ (I’m a non-smoker by the way! LOL)
I have many books on wildflowers and am adding this one…thanks
You’ll love it Donna, I’m sure! ๐
That looks like a gorgeous book! One for the coffee table! I can tell you really like it too. Looking forward to hearing more!
It’s rapidly becoming a favourite! ๐
What a lovely book! We’ve so few bookstores left as the business of books has gone digital and selling has moved to the internet. A personal review with substance is golden!
I really do love this one, so I’m glad you liked my review. Thanks for your comment and have a great week! ๐
Great review Cathy. I was able to find the rest of the columbine chapter online and it was very interesting. Enjoy your reading. Nice idea to read along as plants begin blooming.
We don’t get that columbine here, so I chose to photograph that page with my friends in North America in mind! Glad you could read some more. ๐
So thoughtful of you. The author suggests columbine shouldn’t be in the garden but I love mine.
This looks like a fun book. Now if only I can stop reading blogs long enough to finish a book. Good review!
I know what you mean – but this is manageable, just a chapter every few days. ๐
I love wildflowers. Looks like a great book and what a great present.
Hi Mary – there are a few unknown to me in this book, but it’s still fascinating reading about them. ๐
Lovely review. Must get this book. I love reading about how some of these flowers were used in days of old.
You’ll love this then… just reading how Speedwell was once used to treat skin complaints as well as coughs and “fretting and spreading cankers”!
Lovely pictures! I like it that the author has put photos next to the stories. It makes it easier to recognize the flowers (for me anyway ๐ )
๐ The photos in the book are all first-class.
Looks like something I will keep my eye out for, I’ve been looking for a book such as that. Thanks Cathy! ๐
Glad you like it Nancy! Have a great weekend!
I’ll have to put this one on the “must-have” list – sounds like an informative read and the topic is right up my alley! ๐
LOL! I had to laugh, because in Britain I’d say “right up my STREET”. Glad you like the sound of this Sheryl. I’m pretty sure you’ll love it! ๐