The Hidden Histories of Houseplants: Fascinating Stories of Our Most-Loved Houseplants
About this ebook
This book isn’t just a dry exploration of historical cultivation; the narrative explores the plants’ places in social history, science and culture, showcasing the most fascinating elements of each plant’s story, be it the exploration as to why Monstera deliciosa have holes in their leaves, whether houseplants have the ability to count, or why Calathea leaves open during the day and close up at night.
Accompanied by stunning illustrations, each text takes the reader on a journey through time, history and culture, told by the most universally binding objects in our homes from London to Beijing – houseplants.
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About the author
Maddie Bailey (Author)
Maddie Bailey was born in London, England, where her love for nature was nurtured. She helped her grandpa (a Dutch cut-flower grower) on his nursery and at his allotment, and her mum (an award-winning horticulturalist) in the garden and with her flower business.
After school, she began working in the family’s plant shop, Forest. In 2021, Maddie and her family won a gold medal at Chelsea flower show for their houseplant studio, and they have taken part in many talks and articles. Alongside her sister, Alice Bailey, Maddie has co-authored several titles, including The Green Indoors and The Hidden Histories of Houseplants. She has also written a children’s book, An Anthology of Flowers.
Alice Bailey (Author)
Alice Bailey hails from a London plant and flower dynasty – her grandfather was a Dutch flower merchant and nursery owner, and her mother the celebrated horticulturalist and author Fran Bailey. Alice heads up Forest, a cult plant and homewares shop with two sites in South London, along with a flower shop. She is co-author of several titles, includingThe Green Indoors and The Hidden Histories of Houseplants.
