Plants, Trees & Flowers

In the face of climate change and widespread extinction, there has never been a more important time to study plant science, says Chris Thorogood – author of Pathless Forest: The Quest to Save the World's Largest Flowers. Here he recommends five of his favourite books on botany, including historical accounts of plant exploration and a beautiful photobook profiling the world's most impressive botanical gardens.

Award-winning author and illustrator Neal Layton is passionate about the natural world—especially trees. Among his five recommendations are trees that provide raw materials for building, food and profit; trees that are perfect for climbing; lofty enchanted trees full of adventure; and small yet perfect Christmas trees. Each has a story to tell.

‘The wood that frames our houses, holds up our furniture, and gives us paper arrives with signs of its ecological history purged.’ We’re a long way from the campfire where our relationship with trees got going. Here, David George Haskell takes us back, deep into the forest.

Internationally known ecologist says plants are grievously overlooked, because no life on earth would exist without them - essential reading on plants

The author, plantsman and rhododendron expert selects his favourite books on botanical exploration and explains his passion for plant hunting

Historian of garden design Penelope Hobhouse says creating a garden is not about pulling out weeds - it's about fulfilling man’s need for organisation and security

Discussion of the lesser-known subject of guerilla gardening - the illicit cultivation of someone else's land. A fascinating and historical topic, and eclectic book selections include a history of Google