I enjoyed "Jane Austen's Garden" quite a bit! This beautifully illustrated book had a very different angle on most of the Austen non-fiction - to wit, a discussion of garden references in her main novels along with informative tutorials and related "how to's" on gardening & crafts. While I personally can't do much of this particular gardening due to my desert location, I did enjoy reading about & looking at all the amazing and lovely botanical illustrations - so beautiful. My sincere thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for making this advance readers copy available!

Jane Austen’s Garden was an absolute delight and such a wonderful surprise and I can’t wait to purchase a physical copy for my collection! A huge thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

This book beautifully explores Jane Austen’s connection to gardens, both in her personal life and throughout her novels, where floral imagery plays a significant role. The author’s thorough analysis shines through, making it an engaging read for any Austen fan. Having visited Bath myself, I felt like this book perfectly captured the essence of Austen’s world through the lens of horticulture.

I especially loved the “Cultivating Jane” sections, which offer hands-on projects inspired by Austen’s time. I’m excited to try my hand at the faux flower craft and lavender water, and I even took note of specific floral mentions from my favorite Austen novels to incorporate into my own garden this year!

My only small disappointment? The omission of “What excellent boiled potatoes!!” from the potato page, it only referenced Mansfield Park. Still, I enjoyed learning how to grow my own and plan to do so this season.

Overall, this is a truly lovely book that blends Austen’s literary world with the beauty of gardening, made even more special by the breathtaking artwork from one of my favorite artists (whose work I already have throughout my home!). As a huge Jane Austen fan I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read this ARC!

A lovely gift edition for Jane Austen fans which explores how gardens, nature and plants feature in Austen's novels.

Using excerpts from the novels, each botanical element is then given a little bio or a little bit of historical detail within a page that has been sumptiously illustrated by Jessica Roux. And for fun, Molly Williams has included a number of craft projects to do yourself to recreate your own Jane Austen garden - from making lavender water, to a garland or pomanders, how to make sloe gin or create your own topiary designs.

The illustrations in this book are absolutely GORGEOUS! Truly worth the price of the book on their own! The writing style is lovely, and I found myself so engaged that I didn’t even realize I was retaining information about the plants from that era. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in gardening, history, or anything related to Jane Austen. It’s a delightful read! I hope you enjoy it too!

I’m not sure what I expected, but I was happy to be surprised. This book is not just a drawing for each time of flora is a Jane Austen time period. Instead, there is a bit of history included along with charming drawings. There are recipes and craft directions. I think crafty people will be charmed and eager to try some of them. This will be a nice gift for Jane Austen / Victorian Era fans.

Informative and engaging piece of how gardens and plants were cultivated in both Jane Austen's time, as well as in her works. Molly Williams gives context to to modern audiences how Austen used direct references and allusions to certain plants that would have been understood by readers of the nineteenth century. Austen's books were used to discuss a variety of plants cultivated during the time, as well as different green spaces (landscape gardens, hedgerows, conservatories, etc.) that she and her characters would have visited. Activities included in each section allow for readers to engage with the text.
History of plants and excerpts from the novels could become tedious and repetitive, but overall an enjoyable read for both Jane Austen fans and history lovers alike.

Flowers and herbs, fruits and vegetables, mazes and ponds, delightful conservatories and wide parklands. Welcome to 1800's England. In this beautifully illustrated coffee table book we're exploring the natural world as described in Jane Austen's novels.
Packed with general information, craft projects, history and architectural delights, this book is sheer joy.
The writing is engaging, the chapters short enough to hold the reader's attention, the craft projects easy to follow.
A helpful Regency Horticultural Language glossary is included.
Jane Austen's Garden is one to leave out on your table and keep browsing to your heart's content, so pretty!

Thank you Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the ARC.

Jane Austen's Garden is an incredibly well-researched and cozy book that satisfied my cottage core Regency-era dreams. Williams put incredible care into writing this book, and the color palate and illustrations perfectly complement the subject matter and overall vibes. I immediately recommended this book to my friends and will be purchasing a physical copy soon. Jane Austen's Garden is amazingly informative and fun to read.
I look forward to trying the projects referenced under the Cultivating Jane sections!

Molly Williams’ Jane Austen’s Garden is a beautiful and charming book that explores the plants and gardens of Jane Austen’s time. It looks at the flowers, fruits, and vegetables that would have been found in Regency-era gardens and even includes references to Austen’s novels where these plants appear. The book also offers fun DIY projects and gardening tips, making it both informative and interactive.

One of the highlights is Jessica Roux’s gorgeous illustrations, which make this a lovely coffee table book. While it doesn’t dive deeply into Austen’s novels, it does give a great sense of the natural world she lived in. It’s a wonderful book for those who love gardening, history, or simply want a glimpse into Austen’s surroundings.

If you’re looking for deep literary analysis, this book might not be for you. But if you enjoy learning about gardens and want a visually stunning read, this will be a great choice. It would make a perfect gift for Austen fans, gardeners, or anyone who loves the beauty of the Regency era.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reading copy of this wonderful book. I have always loved Jane Austen and her work, and I was so excited to receive a copy of this book. The illustrations were so nicely done, and complimented the information very well. I liked that it was a mixture of information from so many different areas of Jane Austen’s life. I probably won’t be crafting along with Jane, but I’m sure someone much craftier would love the recipes. I can’t wait to see the print version when it’s released in March 2025!

This book was absolutely beautiful! Filled with illustrations, descriptions of gardens, flowers, fruits, and DIYs, it is truly breathtaking on every page. I especially loved that quotes from different Austen novels were incorporated throughout, and I definitely think I will be adding this to my Austen collection in the near future. If you are a fan of nature, DIY crafts, and Jane Austen like myself, then you will absolutely adore this book.

This is an enchanting and gorgeous look at the gardens and greenery, flowers and fruits in Jane Austen's novels.

I really enjoyed it! I loved how with each description of the flower, tree, shrub, etc., there's an excerpt of where it is mentioned in an Austen novel, along with a summary of the history and the cultural significance of the plant. Not only does it talk about what would be in Jane Austen's books, but what kind of gardens she experienced and how she incorporated them and what was in them into her writing

Besides the terrific descriptions and thoughtful insight, the illustrations were gorgeous.

There are a few DIY projects that I thought were nice.

This book made me want to go back and read all of Jane Austen's books!

This book is beautifully presented with information about each plant, excerpts from Jane's writing that mentions the plant, and some crafts and activities themed to the content of the book. It didn't add to my understanding of Jane's novels, but if you are interested in the visual landscapes of the regency era, this book will be for you

5/5 Stars - A Lush, Thoughtful Exploration of Austen’s World Through the Lens of Nature

Jane Austen's Garden: A Botanical Tour of the Classic Novels by Molly Williams is a unique and thoroughly captivating book that will appeal to both Jane Austen devotees and garden enthusiasts. Williams does an extraordinary job of weaving together Austen’s rich literary world with the beauty and symbolism of gardens, plants, and flowers—elements that played an important role in her novels and the broader context of Regency-era society.

From the very first page, readers are drawn into an elegant exploration of how gardens and horticultural practices were woven into the fabric of Austen’s storytelling. Williams offers fascinating insights into the gardens that featured in the novels, such as the famous “leafy walks” in Pride and Prejudice, and explains how these settings not only reflected the social dynamics of the time but also underscored the moral and emotional landscapes of the characters. For example, the rose garden in Sense and Sensibility becomes a symbol of love, loss, and healing, while the labyrinthine garden in Northanger Abbey mirrors the heroine's confusion and her journey toward self-discovery.

One of the most delightful aspects of the book is how it connects specific plants, flowers, and garden elements to the characters and themes of Austen’s novels. For instance, the meticulous cultivation of a formal garden is paralleled with the social structures of the time, where appearances and propriety were paramount. Williams masterfully examines how these elements were not just decorative but deeply reflective of the internal states of Austen's characters. Gardens, in Austen’s world, are where private conversations and revelations take place, often offering a backdrop for important emotional developments.

The book is broken down into chapters dedicated to different types of gardens, from the wild, overgrown hedgerows of Mansfield Park to the more restrained and formal gardens of Emma. This structure allows Williams to dive deeply into the specifics of each garden type while linking them to broader historical gardening trends and the social conditions of the early 19th century. Each chapter includes an analysis of a particular plant or flower featured in the novel, often accompanied by historical context, cultural significance, and how that specific plant mirrored or enhanced the characters’ journey.

But Jane Austen's Garden is not just an academic treatise—it’s a beautifully designed and accessible book. The illustrations by Jessica Roux are absolutely stunning, capturing the essence of Regency gardens with vibrant and detailed artwork. The botanical drawings alone are worth the price of the book, as they bring the world of Jane Austen to life in full color, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the historical beauty of the era.

One of the most unique and charming aspects of the book is the inclusion of "Cultivating Jane" sections—practical gardening tips and projects inspired by the novel's themes. These hands-on activities, such as creating your own lavender sachets or constructing a simple Regency-style flower arrangement, make the book interactive and personal. It invites readers to not only appreciate the beauty of Austen's world but to actively participate in bringing that beauty into their own homes. For those who enjoy gardening or simply love to experiment with DIY projects, these sections provide an added layer of connection to the text and its historical context.

What makes Jane Austen's Garden especially remarkable is the depth of research Williams has done. Her understanding of both Austen’s novels and the history of Regency horticulture is evident in the way she effortlessly links the two. The book is educational yet never dry or overly academic—it’s a captivating exploration that both entertains and informs. Williams’ writing is accessible and filled with warm, engaging language, ensuring that even readers without a background in gardening or historical studies can easily follow along and enjoy the journey.

The layout and design of the book are also exceptional. The typography, the soft color palette, and the inclusion of historical anecdotes create an immersive reading experience. This is a book that feels as much like an experience as it does a piece of literary scholarship. It’s the perfect addition to any Austen collection, but it also stands alone as a beautiful and thoughtful meditation on the power of nature, beauty, and the written word.

In conclusion, Jane Austen's Garden is a delightful and thoroughly enriching read. It not only provides new insights into Austen’s works but also invites readers to engage with her world in a tactile and meaningful way. Whether you’re a lifelong Jane Austen fan or a newcomer to her novels, this book is an essential addition to your library. It’s an elegant, informative, and beautifully crafted work that brings the lushness of Austen’s literary landscapes to life—both through the written word and through the beauty of nature.

As a country girl and a fan of Jane Austen I felt this book was written for people like me. If anything my Instagram feed is proof of how much I adore gardens and flowers and woodlands. Jane Austen books showcase a love for such spaces from providing a place to our heroines away from families to providing a beautiful literary atmosphere for the reader. This book is a beautiful journey through the botanical characters of Austen's books. The language and phrasing in the book is so beautiful perfect homage to Austen. Coming to illustrations, they are beautiful and elegant, elevating and complimenting the book in the most beautiful way.

The book has plants mentioned in the Jane Austen books and gives us a brief history of how the plants and trees came to England and my favourite part was things you can make with them, from lavender water and natural dye, to designing a possy bouquet. Also it has tips on growing some of the mentioned plants like strawberries and potatoes.

This is a beautiful book both in all ways the writing, the cover and the illustrations. 4❤️/5

Definitely not what I thought it was. While I appreciate that history behind gardening during that time period, it read more like a history book than a fun-lighthearted book about gardening during the Regency period. Overall I would not recommend this book.

What a beautiful book. The illustrations are so wonderful. As an Austen fan, I really enjoyed learning about the flora and fauna of the time, and there are so many adorable DIY craft projects. I really enjoyed these!
The layout of the book really lends itself to be enjoyed in sections rather than in one go.
It would make a beautiful gift for an Austen fan!

This is a charming little glimpse into the horticulture of Jane Austen’s time- with not only references to her beloved writings, but also historical anecdotes about the plants and their uses. Jane’s personal history is also woven throughout. For example, a short page discusses Jane’s family’s kitchen garden at Chawton, before the book begins diving into details about cabbage, currants and other fruits and veggies. The book also advises on how best to cultivate said produce. It’s a basic book, yes, but it’s handy!

*If only the brilliant Mr. Collin’s’ potato line was actually in the book, but sadly, no and so of course don’t expect to see it here*

The book is not an in depth history lesson, but would be a really lovely gift for a devotee of Ms. Austen, or an Anglophile, like myself. I will absolutely be adding this book to my coffee table collection.

Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McMeel for this arc, in exchange for my unbiased review!

This wonderfully charming book by Molly Williams takes you through all the flora that influenced Jane Austen. It would be a delightful gift for a Austen lover or a gardener. Both would find things in the book to keep them amused. Jessica Roux’s illustrations make the book even more lovely. This is sure to be a timeless edition classic to any library.

Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the digital ARC.

Jane Austen’s Garden is a charming, insightful journey through the botanicals that shaped Austen’s world, weaving together history, literature, and nature with grace. Molly Williams offers thoughtful vignettes that illuminate Austen’s life and works, while Jessica Roux’s illustrations are nothing short of masterful—delicate, detailed, and utterly enchanting. This book is a pure delight, a must-have for Austen lovers and garden enthusiasts alike. Bravo!