* between 3.5 and 4 Stars This was a wonderful and enlightening book. The writing is beautiful and kept me entertained and excited for the whole of the book, all the while educating the reader about the history of botany and horticulture in England/the UK. The focus on this handful of influential, adventerous and passionate men made it easy to follow, and by the end I was really attached to them. BUT there is one big point of criticism I have: I would have wished for there to be more of "Empire". The very problematic and violent aspects as well as the notion of power fell way too short. I understand that this is a book aimed at the broader public and is supposed to be a light read, but nontheless I would have wished for a more critical approach. All in all, I now really want to visit the English Gardens and wander the paths of Miller, Collins, Banks and the like and admire the wonders of nature.

* between 3.5 and 4 Stars This was a wonderful and enlightening book. The writing is beautiful and kept me entertained and excited for the whole of the book, all the while educating the reader about the history of botany and horticulture in England/the UK. The focus on this handful of influential, adventerous and passionate men made it easy to follow, and by the end I was really attached to them. BUT there is one big point of criticism I have: I would have wished for there to be more of "Empire". The very problematic and violent aspects as well as the notion of power fell way too short. I understand that this is a book aimed at the broader public and is supposed to be a light read, but nontheless I would have wished for a more critical approach. All in all, I now really want to visit the English Gardens and wander the paths of Miller, Collins, Banks and the like and admire the wonders of nature.