Explore the wonderful world of some of the most incredible natural forms on our planet – fungi.At the centre of countless superstitions, folkloric tales and magical beliefs, as well as appearing in recipes and medicines both traditional and modern, mushrooms have incredible powers.Featuring images of over 100 fascinating species, sourced from the archives at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, The Magic of Mushrooms shows that from saving lives to expa...

A beautiful folk history of the weird and wonderful orchard, from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and the author of Witch's Garden.READERS' PRAISE FOR THE WITCH'S GARDEN SERIES:"This book is a thing of beauty""Quirky and very informative... What a gem!""Very readable with fabulous pictures""A must for anyone interested in folklore, herbalism or...

Madame Volare, apothecarist and witch extraordinaire invites you to be her apprentice and learn about the world's most magical trees.For centuries, our ancestors looked to trees not just for shelter but for healing and pure magic. From towering bamboo to sturdy oaks, this is a beautifully illustrated and fascinating exploration of more than fifty of the world's most magical trees, their uses, folklore and history.Respect and marvel at the pure magic of the natural world and...

From saucy Valentine's offerings to aphrodisiacs, love philtres and symbols of everlasting love, the romantic gifts of plants have forever been harnessed in the pursuit of love.Fantasy and folklore are rich with the role flowers, fruits and herbs play in our love lives - with plants and affairs of the heart always being intertwined. Whether used by unrequited admirers brewing potions or brides carrying bouquets to symbolise lifelong passion, discover over 60 saucy ...

A romantic journey through forty captivating gardens lost to time.All over the world, once-flourishing horticultural spaces have been abandoned and forgotten. From the once-crumbling grandeur of the Villa d’Este and the magic of the Lost Gardens of Heligan, to the sculptural surrealism of Las Pozas and the colourful rebirth of Le Jardin Majorelle, there are countless gardens around the world with fascinating stories to tell.Author and journ...

Witch's Garden describes over 50 of the world's most powerful magical plants and their uses, mythical and proven.Wise women, apothecaries, witches, herbalists: whatever you call them, those who cultivate plants for their fabled mystical and healing properties have existed for thousands of years. From the screaming mandrake to calming St John's Wort, the history of esoteric species is often as dark and elusive as the art of herbalism itself. Including tales...

Gardens both real and imagined have long captured our imaginations. They are places of mystery and magic, beauty and danger, romance and revelation; writers have used them to reflect longing and create unforgettable moments of drama, escape, and wonder.Literary Gardens explores thirty of the most atmospheric and emotionally charged gardens in literature. From The Secret Garden and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland to Rebecca and

Take a trip into the world of hallucinogenic plants in this latest addition to Kew's Witch's Garden series.From ancient ayahuasca rituals in the Amazon to substance-fuelled partying in the Summer of Love, psychoactive plants have been used for thousands of years for everything from shamanic ceremonies to staying awake. The Psychedelic Garden is a fascinating exploration of these incredible species that, for centuries, have helped shape the way we ...

There is more folklore, mythology and magic associated with our trees and forests than with any other living things.Known throughout the world as dark and wild places where witches make mischief and eerie creatures dwell, forests are also places of sanctuary for the ancient magic and the most enchanting species of trees.Kew: Witch's Forest is a beautifully illustrated, captivating journey through the magical woodland and its stories, from birch bro...

Explore the wonderful world of some of the most incredible natural forms on our planet—fungi.At the center of countless superstitions, folkloric tales, and magical beliefs, as well as appearing in recipes and medicines both traditional and modern, mushrooms have incredible powers. The Magic of Mushrooms shows that from saving lives to expanding the mind, the potential of these fascinating organisms should not be underestimated.

The Witch's Garden describes over fifty of the world's most powerful, harmful, legendary, and storied plants—from the screaming mandrake to calming St John's Wort, to predicting the weather with seaweed, the creation of salves for broken hearts, sore heads, protection from evil spirits, and to even induce immortality.Wise women, apothecaries, witches, herbalists: whatever you like to call them, those who cultivate plants for their apparent mystical properties have existed ...

In this vivid and captivating journey through the colors of an artist’s palette, Victoria Finlay takes us on an enthralling adventure around the world and through the ages, illuminating how the colors we choose to value have determined the history of culture itself.How did the most precious color blue travel all the way from remote lapis mines in Afghanistan to Michelangelo’s brush? What is the connection between brown paint and ancient Egyptian mummies? Why did Robin Hood wear Lin...