Count me among the legion of Beatrix Potter’s fans. I love the illustrations in her children’s books, and just as much–perhaps more–I love the language of those stories. It pleased my childish ear–and still does today–that the “friendly sparrows,” overhearing Peter’s sobs, “implored him to exert himself.” And that Mr. McGregor “came up with a sieve, which he intended to pop upon the top of Peter”–all those p sounds are so much fun to read aloud! As an adult reading to my own children, I noted with a gardener’s satisfaction that those illustrations were botanically and horticulturally accurate. The plants had dimension and detail, and no plants are ever seen blooming together that would not be seen doing so in England.
The success of her first several children’s books enabled Potter to buy her first farm, Hill Top. Here her horticultural interests were finally permitted full sway. Beatrix Potter was fully involved in the operation of her farms and tended the gardens herself. Using Potter’s letters and other research, McDowell relates the creation of the gardens at Hill Top Farm, and Potter’s subsequent purchase of other land in the area, in order to preserve it as farmland. Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life is illustrated on every page with scenes from Potter’s life and her botanical illustrations. My favorites are those which show a photograph of a building and Beatrix’s sketch of it, or an original sketch of hers and the same sketch worked into an illustration for one of her stories.
After the first section sketching the highlights of Potter’s life, there is a second section tracing the seasons her garden, and a third section with information on visiting many of the gardens mentioned. What makes this book so satisfying is that it is well-integrated into the social and political history of Potter’s time. You understand when Beatrix was following convention and when and how she was defying it. You come to understand that hers was not a fairy tale life, that she faced plenty of sorrow before achieving a measure of personal happiness and the accomplishment of some strongly-prized goals. The focus is on gardening, but it is not in isolation from the rest of her life or the times in which she lived.If you love gardening, you will love this book, even if–somehow–you’ve managed to grow up without ever reading one of Beatrix Potter’s books. But if that’s the case, I suggest you read at least one of her books first. You’ve been missing a real treat. And if you are already a fan, check out Matt Mattus’ list of Gardening Gifts, Beatrix Potter Style.
I received a review copy of Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life from Timber Press. The book was free, but the opinions are my own. I am an Amazon affiliate and if you visit Amazon by clicking a link on my site and then buy something (anything), I receive a small commission.
This sounds great! I’ll have to try to track down a copy – thanks for the review!
This book sounds amazing, I will have to have it for Christmas! Amazon, here I go!
Count me in as one of the legion of Potter’s fans. I bought this book sometime ago, and I’m excited to read more of it. Even more so now that I saw your review. Thanks Kathy.
Kathy, What a charming review, I want to rush out and buy the book right now!
I’m reading the book now and loving it. It is well-written and full of interesting tidbits.