A Year at Kew (Hardcover)

So, all praise to the BBC for putting together a series about Kew. Inevitably, the book of the series also comes along. While I've criticised some of the BBC book choices as merely being exploitative marketing, there is a gentle legitimacy to this volume. "A Year at Kew" is a charming publication, well written, well illustrated. It is an absorbing read to get you thinking about the coming year in your own garden, or the coming year's opportunities to get out and visit local botanical gardens or explore your native flora and fauna. The text looks at the work of Kew, making it come alive, taking a natural perspective - how do the staff at Kew encourage plants to grow, find new species, organise and arrange the displays, etc. The photos are delightfully presented - they are low key, tranquil ... there's nothing garish about the illustrations. This is not a book which shouts. It's a book which whispers. Definitely to be commended if you are a fan of the TV series, have visited (or plan to visit) Kew, or are interested in the natural world.