The Earth in Her Hands

I began reading profiles of some of the 75 “women in plants” I recognized, finding them compelling enough to start back at the beginning to learn more about the many women whose work I had not yet encountered.. The author chooses a broad definition of horticultural fields including the fields of botany, environmental science, landscape architecture, floriculture, agriculture, plant hunting, breeding, seed science, garden writing, garden photography, public garden administration, research, public policy and social justice. Her 75 profiles, highlighting the work, representative plant, plant journey and listing of inspirational women representing a wide diversity of backgrounds leading them into their fields, encouraged me to conduct further online research into gardens, nurseries, florists, and plant lovers (even a few:men among them) mentioned. The author succeeded in her attempts to make “the network of women in plant more visible”. for this gardener.

As an avid listener to Cultivating Place and having collaborated with and interacted with Jennifer on several occasions, it was a delight to read this book! So many fascinating women---some I knew and others I didn't. Getting to be introduced to some of them here was lovely and I can't wait to read a bit more and learn from them.

Women are doing fascinating things in the plant world and it is high time we had a showcase of some of the very best. The photography is stunning and has revived a bit of my slump in wanting to garden. Getting out, observing, being with the plants---that's just the thing.

I'd love to see more writing from Jennifer in the future!

Weaving together small vignettes, Jennifer Jewell presents us with a glorious collection of women who have found their strengths and their voices in the greening of our world.

Each woman shares her origin story, the plant they love most or that inspired them on this winding journey - and each makes the connection with community and how their work holds up to the challenge that our disconnected world presents.

Many stories start with passed down knowledge and turn to the concern of the future that their own children or future generations will face. It starts with the roots and goes through unto seed. There are familiar voices from activists, farmers, artists, mothers, healers, and entrepreneurs - all creators in their own right. Each story told inspired and uplifted.

Like an arrangement of flowers of all different sizes, colors, and all different backgrounds, Jewell presents us with a luscious bouquet of strength, beauty, and hope.

It was a fascinating and enjoyable read. I liked the style of writing and was happy to learn about the women featured in this book.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Due to college and the changes around coronavirus I was not able to read this before the ex pity date. I will keep an eye out for the book as it looks interesting.

I learned a lot reading this book. It was inspiring to read. The women and their gardens are varied but they all have one thing in common, they enjoy what they do and that joy is felt in this book. The text also includes lots of wonderful photographs. This book will make a perfect gift. Enjoy