Exploring the Rich Legacy of Sweet Peas: An In-Depth Look into the Fascinating Past of This Notable Plant
Transforming Tales of Vicarious Blooms
Let's cut to the chase - this book is a must-have, not just for its stunning visuals, but for the wealth of knowledge it spills about sweet peas. But delve deeper, and you'll want to sow seeds from this read, not just have it adorn your coffee table.
Sweet Peas: More Than Meets the Eye
I admit, I wasn't a sweet pea aficionado. But brace yourself, because this book takes you on an exhilarating journey through the history of these fragrant blooms. From their scraggly origins on the sun-soaked hillsides of Sicily to their celebrated status in cutting gardens worldwide, you'll learn how the humble sweet pea transformed into the grandiflora of today.
Penned by true sweet pea enthusiasts, Cecilia Wingård (author of two renowned Swedish books on sweet peas and cut flowers) and Philip Johnson (a leading sweet pea breeder and floriculture specialist), the book unravels the intricate tale of this blossom's metamorphosis.
Mingling with Masters
What sets this book apart is the narrative that weaves through the stories of those who played pivotal roles in disseminating sweet pea seed across the globe. Characters like the 17th-century monk Francis Cupani sending seeds from Italy to Amsterdam and England, or Henry Eckford, the breeder of the first grandifloras, or Silas Cole, the cultivator of the first Spencer varieties, bring history to life. You'll even meet head gardeners who, armed with extraordinary plant-breeding skills, transitioned from tending another man's greenhouse to managing their own patch of earth and eventually setting up seed production companies.
Dive into a world coloured by hand-tinted seed packets and maps draped in the footprints of growers and experts - communities localized enough that knowledge sharing was second nature. Savor the images as sweet pea seeds journeyed from far-flung lands to become sought-after cut flowers in gardens around the world.
Nostalgia and the New Age
The narrative illuminates the grand old days of flower shows with a poetic wistfulness, reminiscent of the bygone era when thousands of sweet pea bouquets were showcased at London's Crystal Palace. Today, small plant societies strive to maintain their relevance in the age of internet information. Nevertheless, the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) continues to foster the spirit of flower festivals, offering a glimmer of hope for flower enthusiasts of tomorrow.
A Book Worth Fighting For
As a regular book reviewer, my rule is to swap books after reviewing them. However, this one's worth holding onto. It's a rare find that leaves me reluctant to part with it, even knowing that another book must make way to keep it in my collection.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1279569/[5] https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev.phyto.53.100501.123415
- This book isn't just a beautiful addition to your home-and-garden or coffee table, but it's filled with valuable information about sweet peas that encourages you to grow your own.
- If you're a gardening enthusiast, you'll be fascinated by the stories of plant breeders and experts like Cecilia Wingård and Philip Johnson, who share their extensive knowledge about sweet peas in this book.
- The book not only delves into the history and evolution of sweet peas but also showcases captivating images and anecdotes from gardeners and flower show enthusiasts from various parts of the world.
- As you read through this book, you'll find sections dedicated to modern-day plant societies and the Royal Horticultural Society, reminding you that the love for sweet peas and gardening remains vibrant, even in the digital age.
