Book review

Flora... in Association with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (£30, Dorling Kindersley)

PERFECTLY timed for launch at Christmas, this mighty hardback would make a mesmerising gift for a gardener. Specially commissioned macro photography, annotated diagrams and illustrations reveal in exquisite detail all the secrets of the plant kingdom, from pictures of magnified pollen and dissected fuchsia flowers to stinging nettle barbs and the nectar guides and guard hairs on foxglove flowers. The book delves into the lifecycle of plants, explaining for instance how they protect themselves from predators and attract the right pollinators. It’s hard to think of a more absorbing book, perfect for gardeners and horticultural students alike. One for the Christmas list. ✿✿✿✿✿