Gardening

Revealing a world of secret messages contained within a single petal.

Floriography – the language of flowers – is the ancient art of encoding hidden messages in the type, colour and arrangement of plants, allowing individuals to express emotions and sentiments that they may not be able to articulate through words.

Featuring 100 of the most popular and available blooms from around the world, this beautifully illustrated gift book gives the botanical name for each plant, a description of its significance and place in folklore, and the story behind its meaning. It also reveals how floral symbolism has been used over the centuries in literature and art, from Hamlet's Ophelia handing out rosemary 'for remembrance' and pansies 'for thoughts', to Oscar Wilde urging his friends to wear green carnations as a subtle code for homosexuality. The idea that flowers have secret meanings would have been well understood by contemporary audiences – and we are seeing a revival of the practice today.

From mimosa – which signifies chastity because its leaves close when touched – to the varied messages encoded within different colours of geraniums, Floriography offers a creative way to convey feelings and can add an extra layer of beauty and significance to a gift of flowers.

The flowers in Kate Middleton's wedding bouquet signified love, happiness, gallantry and fidelity.

If someone sends you a bouquet of hydrangea and lobelia, beware: they stand for heartlessness and malevolence.

Step into a Persian paradise, wander through a Mughal masterpiece or lose yourself in Monet's blooming haven at Giverny - The Garden Through Time brings 45 extraordinary gardens to life in a beautifully illustrated journey across the world and through the centuries.

From peaceful medieval cloisters to imaginative modern spaces like New York's High Line, each garden offers inspiration and ideas you can adapt at home, whether you have a sprawling garden or just a few pots on a balcony.

With stunning artwork and accessible, thoughtful tips throughout, this book blends the joy of discovery with practical insight. It's a celebration of the garden in all its forms - ideal for anyone looking to reimagine their outdoor space or simply explore the beauty of gardens from their own armchair.

Historic Royal Palaces: Royal Blooms is a fascinating exploration of how plants and flowers have formed an integral part of the crown, from the past through to present day.

From mulberry and myrtle to pomegranate and poppy, this beautifully illustrated and expertly written book depicts in detail how plants and flowers have been used by various royals throughout the centuries not just for power, politics and status but more recently, celebration. This four-colour beautiful, upmarket gift book is filled with interesting facts and captivating stories alongside stunning botanical illustrations and historical photographs from the Historic Royal Palaces archive, all focused on the crown's fascination with plants and flowers, from the war of the roses to royal wedding bouquets and everything in between.