Like any proper Anglophile, I’m interested in Jane Austen. So, I was delighted when we were offered a chance to review a new book about her relationship with gardens – In the Garden with Jane Austen by Kim Wilson.

During Jane Austen’s time, gardens were an important social and geographical construct where a lot of romantic intrigue took place. This book seeks to explore that aspect of her work using visits to gardens she would have known and comparing it to works she’s written.

Jane Austen took a keen interest in flower gardening and kitchen gardening alike. This book strolls through the sorts of gardens that Jane Austen would have known and visited: the gardens of the great estates, cottage gardens, gardens in town, and public gardens and parks.

With lush photos, social history, excerpts from the novels, information on her life, and period drawings, In the Garden with Jane Austen brings Jane Austen’s world and Georgian and Regency gardens to life. The book also includes gardens featured in film adaptations of Austen’s novels and provides instructions on creating one’s own Jane Austen garden.

The book is well laid with ample pictures so you get a picture of what these gardens looked like. There are also ample historical images. The writing is accessible and it’s easy to read. I read it in one sitting.

If you’re interested in Jane Austen and English Gardens, this is the perfect book for you.