The Untamed Garden: A Revealing Look at Our Love Affair with Plants

By: Sonia Day

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Synopsis: Which suggestive plant caused a queen to faint when it was presented to her at court? What was the original French name for the Great Maiden's Blush rose that had the Victorians blushing? Why are figs and pomegranates thought to be the real forbidden fruit that led Adam and Eve into temptation?In this delightful gift book, master gardener Sonia Day brings together delicious tidbits from myth, history, botany, and plant lore to reveal how plants have seduced our hearts, minds, and bodies throughout the ages. Organized in thematic chapters that loosely follow the arc of a love affair, the book journeys from "Innocence" (the notion of a virgin being "deflowered" originated with the belief that flowers were pure and sexless), through such stages as "Flirtation," "Seduction," "Lust," "Deception," and "Rapture." Scattered throughout are love potions, examples from the Victorian "language of flowers," and charming anecdotes, all told in Day's delightfully irreverent and conversational voice. Gorgeously designed and featuring full-colour photos and illustrations throughout, this is a sumptuous tribute to our enduring fascination with plants that is sure to seduce readers everywhere.

Book Quality:: Publisher Quality
ISBN-13:: 9780771025075
Related ISBNs:: 9780771025051
Publisher:: McClelland & Stewart
Date of Addition:: 07/15/24
Copyrighted By:: Sonia Day
Adult content:: No
Language:: English
Has Image Descriptions:: No
Categories:: Nonfiction, Home and Garden, Outdoors and Nature, Social Studies
Submitted By:: Bookshare Staff
Usage Restrictions:: This is a copyrighted book.