I was astounded by this book's ability to be as informational as it is beautiful.

With art and photography of high enough quality I want to frame it, this would make an adorable coffee table or waiting room book.

Some of the specificities Brenna Estrada included I wouldn't have thought to ponder in a million years. The differences in personality as cut flowers from cultivar to cultivar, the nuances in each bloom's fragrance. This could be enjoyed by anyone interested in pansies - seasoned gardener or not. I'd personally throw in a pack or two of pansy seeds and make it the perfect gift!

{Thank you bunches to NetGalley, Brenna Estrana and publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!}

I have been in love with Pansies forever. I love their bright, beautiful flowers. I love that even in cold climates, they will often survive with winter and cheer us up in the spring - and again later in the year. I've been known to rescue pansies when gardeners pulled them all out in Delaware where I was visiting, and I brought them back to my home in Massachusetts because I knew I could replant them and I'd keep them for months of more beauty. But I certainly didn't know that there are over 600 recognized species in the genus Viola! (A fact I picked up while reading this book.) The first chapter is academic, providing a detailed introduction to the history of violas and the origin of the garden pansy.

Chapter two covers growing pansies, including growing them from seed. The author also provides information on how to propagate by cuttings, root division, and layering - and she provides useful photos on how to accomplish this. And she addresses how to keep pansies safe from garden hazards, including challenging weather conditions.

But of course the best part are the multitude of pages of photos and descriptions of so many different types of pansies and violas. Many of us don't consider pansies to be appropriate for floral arrangements, but the author provides information about how to grow them for arrangements and provides glorious photos of stunning arrangements.

And did you know that pansies are edible? Beautiful photos of soups, salads, desserts provide ideas. They also have been used for apothecary and health applications.

This book is a thing of beauty and it's also very educational. I'm glad I found it.

In Pansies, Brenna Estrada shares her effervescent enthusiasm for this flower. Hobby gardeners, cut flower growers, and florists will find so much to love in this book.

Brenna walks us through a detailed history of the pansy, showing us that pansies were much more than border plants. She includes beautiful, full page images of so many unique varieties of pansies and then gives us the design recipes for the most magnificent arrangements.

After falling in love with the pansy and wanting to grow all of the varieties, Brenna gives us information to grow pansies from seed, propagate pansy plants, and successfully overwintering them.

Pansies is a beautiful book full of inspiration!

In this book you will learn everything from starting pansy seeds to using your beautiful flowers in stunning arrangements. Estrada also examines all the different varieties available - their names are just as charming as the flowers themselves. Here, in one book, was all I ever wanted to know about my favorite flower. Studded throughout with GORGEOUS photos, this is a feast for the eyes that you'll want to peruse again and again.

A visually beautiful book, Pansies by Brenna Estrada is more importantly really informative, helpful to gardeners whether generally interested, or-like me- a certified lover of pansies and the overall viola species. The pages introduce historical background, growing techniques, a comprehensive illustrated listing of pansy varieties, and detailed ideas on using and displaying these petite beauties. Estrada’s emphasis on flower arrangements expanded my impression of the flowers’ display possibilities; I enjoy them mainly outdoors in flower bed settings, so this may be a direction for gardeners and flower lovers to explore. Thank you to Timber Press and NetGalley for providing an early digital review copy.

Visually stunning and unexpectedly soulful, this book brings new depth to a classic flower. A lovely blend of practical guidance and pure inspiration.