Book Review and my Book of the Week
By Stephen Parker
Published by Dorling Kindersley, June 29 2023
Hard cover 224 pages. £25
ISBN: 978-0-2416-1157-9
I like to highlight special books on this blog. One of this year’s most beautifully-written and visually stunning is England’s Gardens, A Modern History.
Stephen Parker gives us a modern-day tour and an update on the history of some of the most iconic, enduring, and influential gardens across the country.
The book highlights well-known sites such as Sissinghurst and Great Dixter, and also covers other special and unique gardens such as Prospect Cottage and The Laskett. “It’s a celebration of England’s gardens in all their glorious diversity, sublime beauty, and exuberant eccentricity,” says the press release. I couldn’t agree more!
There are 20 case studies in all, with well-written accounts of the stories behind the gardens, the people who made them and the legacies they leave behind. This is another highly recommended publication from the well-respected Dorling Kindersley stable. Some quite remarkable books have arrived on our shelves this summer from DK. This one by garden historian Stephen Parker takes us on a fascinating and joyful journey around Britain. And I enjoyed every minute of my excursion!
https://www.dk.com/uk/book/9780241643808-englands-gardens/
Waterstones https://www.waterstones.com/book/englands-gardens/stephen-parker/9780241611579
Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/england-s-gardens-stephen-parker/7280290
Hive: https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Stephen-Parker/Englands-Gardens–A-Modern-History/27638806
Bramble Garden 
I love your book reviews. This one is especially tempting.
I will order a copy and also order it trhough my local library.
Always useful to get good books into the system.
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Thank you Suella. You’ll love them. It’s been a good year for books for gardeners. I think Dorling Kindersley taking on Chris Young ( ex editor of RHS The Garden magazine) has lead to some really superb and unusual books. His influence is very welcome.
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What a gorgeous book, Karen, with glorious pictures – and a number of gardens I have not vsited too
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Thank you Cathy. I’ve not visited them either. Rather lovely to look at the pages. And the writing matches the quality of the photographs. It’s a winner. I see that Dorling Kindersley have taken on Chris Young ( ex-editor the RHS The Garden magazine) his influence is very welcome. I expect more treats to come.
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Some books just make you want to own them and touch them, don’t they?
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They really do!
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This looks lovely, Karen. Am tempted to buy a copy!
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I was thinking of you when I read it to be honest. You would love it! Happy weekend Mary. Karen xx
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Thanks, Karen. Hope to visit soon – when you have a spare hour or two!! xx
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Yes, I’m just clearing out the greenhouse ready for us to sit in there for a cup of tea and some cake! Can’t move the bird of paradise though…..it’s huge 😃
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Ring when you have a minute
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