In This Issue…

How many times have you walked around a botanical garden or greenhouse admiring the huge diversity of exotic plants on display? What we don’t often stop to consider, however, is how these colourful wonders ended up on our shores in the first place. On p80 we discover the thrill-a-minute story of Victorian plant hunters.

These real life Indiana Jones adventurers took their life into their hands in order to discover new species of plants and bring them back to British shores. From almost drowning in whirlpools, to bear attacks, to being hunted down by armies of heavily-armed Tibetan monks, their stories are almost unbelievable in their drama and are sure to give you newfound appreciation for the wonders of your garden.

Anna

If I could have anyone’s singing voice in the world, it would probably be Tori Amos. With her seductive, siren-esque vocals, mesmerising stage presence and a fountain of furiously red locks pouring over the piano, she’s always been a huge music idol of mine.

Naturally, then, I was incredibly happy and excited when we got to interview her for this month’s issue. On p28, she opens up all about starting out as a young musician in gay bars, her natural affinity for the piano, and her love of Led Zeppelin.

And on p121, we celebrate the piano’s older brother, the harpsichord (an instrument Tori is equally electrifying on—just ask Youtube), with a review of a splendid new album of some of baroque music’s greatest classics. Happy listening!

Eva