Claire O'Rush

This beautifully crafted book has silky pages and a beautiful dustjacket. It is lavishly illustrated with about 50% Pre-Raphaelite paintings and the other 50% botanical paintings by Benjamin Perkins. The Pre-Raphaelite works are exquisite choices, really enhance the text and make it seem like a delicious indulgence in pleasure. The botanical works are detailed and skillfully rendered and are also wonderful choices that enrich the text. The borders of the pages are decorated as well. The text includes chapters on fairies and angels in the garden, tree spirits and fairy trees, flowers and the feminine spirit, and calling a unicorn into the garden. It is atmospheric and lyrical and sprinkled with whimsy and at the same time it is serious and contemplative. There is much lore and folk wisdom here. It encourages a multi-dimensional relationship with gardens and is filled with healing, magic and beauty as all gardens are. I highly recommend it.… (altro)