In the Garden with Jane Austen Book

Bringing Jane Austen’s gardens—real and fictional—to life with excerpts from her novels and letters, period songs, poetry, and illustrations, this charming recollection offers tips for creating English gardens alongside Austen. This lavishly illustrated exploration with color photographs of gardens associated with the writer offers a rich experience to admirers of both Austen and gorgeous gardens. Complete with a reference section that includes important dates in Austen’s life, locations and dates of her houses, and a map of 1809 England, this delightful book is perfect for the history and garden enthusiast alike.

Bonnie Poquette - Library Journal

As with her previous book, Tea with Jane Austen, Wilson has produced a well-researched work that will appeal to a wider audience than just Jane Austen fans. Period gardeners and garden lore enthusiasts will appreciate this rare overview of the sorts of Georgian and Regency gardens Austen would have known. Wilson's text is a clever combination of quotations from Austen's novels and letters along with information found in the popular gardening and householder manuals of the day. Both flower and kitchen gardens of varying sizes are discussed. Several of the English gardens Austen knew still exist and are highlighted here, supplemented by a listing of gardens featured in recent Austen film adaptations. Advice for re-creating 18th-century gardens with heirloom or modern cultivars is included. Illustrated with lavish color photos, planting plans, and a few charming black-and-white drawings similar to those in Wilson's previous book, this gem may convert those who haven't already succumbed to Austen fever. Recommended for public libraries as well as special collections focused on gardening or Austen.