As our lives become more urbanized, many of us have lost the ability to name these beautiful flowers, whether in cities or countryside, in gardens or conservation areas. This comprehensive field guide will appeal to expert and beginner alike, with over 600 wild-flower specimens from the woodlands, grasslands, and chalk downlands and the mountainous, aquatic, and maritime habitats of Britain and Ireland. Each entry gives Latin and common names; descriptions of flowers, fruit, and leaves; and habitat. Anecdotes on historical background, medicinal or herbal uses, and common folklore breathe life into the text. Chapters also discuss the importance of wild flowers in their ecosystems, conservation and endangered species and offer advice on designing your own wildflower garden.
Rae Spencer-Jones studied Horticulture and Landscape & Amenity Management before becoming a garden writer. She has written for Gardeners' World, Homes and Gardens, New Eden, Country Living and many more; most recently she was a staff writer and commissioning editor with Gardens Illustrated magazine. THE PHOTOGRAPHER - Sarah Cuttle is one of the UK's most inspiring young photographers. Her work has been published in Gardens Illustrated, Waitrose and Sainsbury's magazines and her photographs for Trees for the Garden (Kyle Cathie 2002) were described as 'mouth-watering' by Gardens Illustrated.