Jane Austen’s Garden: A Botanical Tour of the Classic Novels

Williams (Taming the Potted Beast: The Strange and Sensational History of the Not-So-Humble Houseplant) shares her passion for both Jane Austen and plants by creating this compilation of Regency-era horticultural references found in Austen’s six most famous novels. It examines many varieties of flora, including flowers (hyacinths, roses), fruits and vegetables (gooseberries, potatoes, strawberries), shrubs (honeysuckle, myrtle), and trees (beech, oak), with the geographic area focused on southern England. Each plant entry includes a physical description and a history of the species. These entries also cite passages where Austen alludes to that plant in her works. Readers will also find an assortment of DIY projects, including creating faux flowers, making lavender water, and designing a bouquet. Williams provides a brief biography of Austen (including gardens she visited), a summary of her novels, a glossary, and a history of British gardening and landscaping, all complemented by Roux’s beautiful illustrations. Unfortunately, the DIY sections do not include visuals, which would assist readers attempting the more complicated projects. Note also that Williams cites from Austen’s novels and her correspondence but includes no references. However, she delightfully captures Austen’s appreciation for the interconnections between humans and nature.