I’ve missed Varla Ventura. I am fortunate enough to have received many of her books to review and every time I’m delighted with what I read. It’s why despite not being a big nature lover I jumped at the chance to review her latest book “Enchanted Plants: A Treasury of Botanical Folklore and Magic.”
I was surprised to see Ventura writing about plants. I always pictured her as more of an occult oddities and creatures kind of author. Little did I know that Ventura once ran a plant nursery as well as operated her own landscaping business! However, don’t let that mundane seeming bit of background fool you, “Enchanted Plants” is a luscious, greenery-soaked treat.
This book isn’t encyclopedic, it is a curated mix of plants that have inspired the author. Ventura’s love of the magical and mystical plant world shows in the titles of the six chapters: The Apple Doesn’t Fall Too Far: A Queen’s Garden of Cultivars and Edible Delights, The Cottage Garden of Earthly Delights: Humble Foods in Story and Legend, The Witch’s Garden: What Doesn’t Kill You Makes Your Heart Grow Stronger, Among the Fields and Valleys: Wildflowers, Meadowlands, and Other Things to Gather, The Woods Are Lovely, Dark, and Deep: Trees, Shrubs, and Woodland Dwellers, and The Marsh King’s Daughter: Plants That Grow Near Streams, Bogs, Lakes, and the Sea. The language she uses while discussing the practical, folkloric, and mystical sides to these plants truly makes for a pleasurable read.
Also, I need to address the format. “Enchanted Plants” is hardcover, with gold gilded paper edges and a built in fabric bookmark. It’s filled with beautiful full color illustrations. Varla Ventura’s “Enchanted Plants” is truly a feast for the senses.
You can learn more here.
Get your own copy here. (This is an affiliate link to my Bookshop, which supports independent bookstores throughout the United States. If you use this link to purchase the book, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you.)
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That looks gorgeous!