Gardening memoirs are my favorite kind of gardening books, especially ones with illustrations,
photos, or paintings. I often go back to them again and again as the years go by, always finding a new take away from them. Reference style gardening books are beautiful, but a 'birds eye view' into specific gardens & gardeners around the world lets me learn on a broader level.

As I recently commented on this author’s Instagram @cqgardens, “You are a genius. I was lucky enough to secure an early copy and I think you are so talented. Thank you for your art .. paint and word!” As it happens, this genius author is also a talented actress in England, and it shows in her showy descriptions and exuberance for life.

How can I describe how much I enjoyed this book?! I laughed so hard at her descriptions of plants, cried at her heartfelt accounts of her and her mother, and giggled at the irreverent tongue-in-cheek allusions … all with a gardener’s bent and a love of life. Part memoir, part tips-and-tricks, part pop-culture-reference humor, this is a garden book you shouldn’t miss. Her unquestionable command of the fine art of snarkasm cannot be denied!

In addition to her love of the garden, in this book Caroline is kind enough to gift us all with her own recipes too. As a lover of Mediterranean food, I too can almost live on a diet of dishes made with olive oil and fresh garden produce.

Why I Chose This Book
As a garden artist myself (I do paint in watercolors, like the author’s self-illustrations, but acrylic is my love) I was “drawn” as it were, to this artistic expression of a gardener. I thought we would have a lot in common. I was beyond correct about that!

What a lovely little gardening book!

It’s written in the style of a gardening journal in several sections including how she came to gardening, planting and variety tips (these are focused on gardening in the UK), recipes, animals in the garden, etc.

I found myself comparing my own gardening techniques and learning some new things to try! Overall a very fun read that I found inspiring. I can see myself coming back to it again and again.

The watercolor illustrations done by the author are fun!

A perfect gift for yourself or any gardeners in your life- whether beginners wanting a friend to help them start gardening or experienced gardeners who love to talk with and learn from others!

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto publishers for the opportunity to review this book!

DRAWN TO THE GARDEN inspires the reader to find joy in the gardening life, which speaks to me more and more these days. Her colorful illustrations and delicious recipes add to the good cheer. Highly recommended!

This is a gorgeous book. The sort of book you'd love to receive as a present or to give to a good friend. It is full of humour (as you might expect from Caroline). It reads as if she is a friend you've known for years. Whilst it does introduce you to gardening, you definitely don't need to be about to create a new patch. Simply enjoy the prose and her own drawings

I rather enjoyed this. I admire Quentin's enthusiasm for gardening and painting, birdwatching and nature. She is not afraid to love things and as I get older I really appreciate people who have love and enthusiasm for things in their lives. I thought the sections where she describes how to grow and plant things were easy to understand and achievable for the novice gardener and the recipes are accessible and easy to have a go at. The only bum note for me was the fairytales section of the book which seemed randomly thrown in for reasons unknown. Otherwise this is rather lovely.

This was a delightful read. I thought it was a nice reflection on spending time outside, in nature. I thought the illustrations were adorable and I really loved the added recipes. This might be the book I get out every January/February to get me ready for gardening.

Caroline Quentin is best known to me as an actress. I watched her in Blue Murder where she played a somewhat frazzled (in her home life) detective. Now, I know her as an author and lover of nature as well..

This is a delightful book with whimsical illustrations done by Quentin herself. I smiled when I saw the front and back views of her in a gardening apron near the beginning of the book.

I love Quentin’s candid and open voice as she tells her stories. In these pages are personal reflections, practical advice and recipes. Readers will find warmth, wisdom and humor here. as she writes of the experience of gardening and of life. 

Sample chapters include Memories, Wellbeing, Pets & pests, Childhood and more. Dip in anywhere or start at the beginning.

I highly recommend this book. I will buy the hard copy when it is released.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Caroline Quentin draws you in to feeling the positivity that being in nature can provide and the enjoyment to be found in growing things.