Matthew Biggs trained at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, has presented numerous TV gardening programs and is a regular on UK radio. Author of and contributor to several books and magazines, Matthew is also a highly regarded lecturer. He has travelled widely and is fascinated by global gardening.
The Secrets of Great Botanists
And What They Tell Us About Gardening
Welcome to the lives of 36 botanists from our past and present, driven by an insatiable desire to learn and discover, whose study of plants revolutionised the scientific world and increased our understanding of the importance plants have on our survival.
Illustrated with beautiful period botanical water-colours and vibrant photographs, this inspiring and practical guide delves into the qualities that brought them success and shows what ordinary gardeners can learn from their legacies.
SPECIFICATIONS: 9781925820256 | Hardback | 230 x 170 mm | 224 Pages
Secrets of Bougainvillea
28 January 2020 Matthew Biggs Sometime between 1760 and 1764, Jeanne Baret, a country girl and amateur botanist with a wide knowledge of medicinal plants, became the housekeeper and lover of naturalist and botanist Philibert Commerçon, friend of Voltaire and correspondent of Carl Linnaeus.
The Canberra Times
“concisely drafted, gracefully illustrated, and – for an addicted gardener – truly inspiring.”
Secrets embedded in our gardens
Paradoxically, one of the secrets of great botanists is their reluctance to keep a secret. Each of the 36 scientists in this book collected, analysed, painted, pruned, grew, propagated and nurtured plants, with their results disseminated out in the public commons, for the common good.
Spirit Magazine
“This very collectable hard-cover edition provides a potted history of botany illustrated with lovely images…it would make a good gift for a plant lover or avid gardener”
Sydney Morning Herald
“focuses on the impact that a selection of botanists working over thousands of years have had on domestic gardens.” Click here to view
ABC’s Gardening Australia
“History buffs and plant lovers will enjoy this beautifully illustrated presentation of stories about 35 plant collectors and gardening pioneers.”
Better Homes and Gardens
“a natural for holiday-reading green thumbs”.
Adelaide Advertiser
“an attractive hardback with botanic watercolours, sketches and photos, it would be an ideal Christmas present for the curious gardener.”
Good Organic Gardener Magazine Featured as their top pick for in the November issue.
“Gain insights into what makes botanists so important”.
The Highlife
“fascinating.”
Grassroots Magazine
“This stunningly illustrated hard cover book would make a lovely gift for a garden lover.”
Indulge Magazine
“Unfurl the history of plants found in your own back garden and find new inspiration for cultivation.” Click here to read in full
You may also like…
Lessons from Great Gardeners
Gardening is continually transformed and enhanced by great gardeners. This book profiles 40 of these remarkable figures — including Australia’s own Jeremy Francis and New Zealand’s Bev McConnell — and explores how their work can be used to inspire and instruct. Stories of their life and work are revealed together with practical hints and tips. Packed with botanical illustrations of their signature plants, the book also includes stunning photographs of twelve of the world’s most iconic gardens.
SPECIFICATIONS: Hardback | 227 x 170 mm | Colour | 224 Pages |
Gardener’s Quiz and Puzzle Book
USD $22.99 Tax Included100 Brainteasers for Gardeners Who Know Their Onions
Test your botanical knowledge with over 100 puzzles and quizzes cultivated by garden expert Simon Arkeroyd and quiz-master Dr Gareth Moore. Show off by solving challenging anagrams of Latin species names and challenge yourself with stimulating activities aimed at improving your horticultural and botanical knowledge. Breathtaking botanical illustrations throughout and a wide range of quizzes and puzzles will ensnare and delight any gardener who thinks they know their onions
SPECIFICATIONS: 9781925820423| Paperback | 230 x 170mm | 224 Pages | Colour