Work of fiction features extraordinary gardens

15 years ago

Any novel readers on this forum? I just finished a wonderful novel by the Native American writer Leslie Marmon Silko--called Gardens in the Dunes. It's a moving story about two Native American girls separated (by the White government) from their family/tribal/geographical roots during the late-nineteenth century and includes fascinating historical events such as details about the Ghost Dance religion. What is most amazing is the very detailed descriptions of different types of gardens around the globe--how gardening is accomplished in the American southwest desert, a Victorian/English garden created (at great expense) by a rich white east-coast woman, several kinds of "stone gardens" in the U.S. and England, a stupendous black gladiolus garden, ancient restored gardens in Italy--plus all sorts of details about seed and plant collecting/breeding in the 19th century on several continents, most notably hunting/collecting rare orchids in South America--and the list goes on. Throw in some garden goddess mythology also, all while following the travels/searches of the Indian girls trying to return to their native "gardens in the dunes" in the American Southwest.

OK--not exactly rose-related, but there are some 19th century rose-growing practices mixed in there too--and I couldn't think where else to post about this wonderful novel that should appeal to any gardener with an historical/mythological/eco-feminist bent.

Do any of you have a favorite book related to roses or gardening that goes beyond the standard expert's encyclopedia? I'd love to hear about your favorites. Another gardener just recommended to me a recent Barbara Kingsolver book the other day, but I haven't had a chance to check it out yet.

Happy garden-reading,

Kate

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Comments (4)

janen
15 years ago
Thanks Kate. Have you read any of the books by Elizabeth Lawrence? I especially like A Southern Garden and Through The Garden Gate. Also Green Thoughts by Eleanor Perenyi - and she does have a chapter on roses.
mendocino_rose
15 years ago
Probably you are familiar with Beverley Nichols, and Vita Sackville-West's writings about gardening. I have really enjoyed and felt inspired by Carolyn Parker's book R is for Rose. There is a book by one of the Delbards. I think it is called Diary of a Rose Lover. Off the topic of books: I have just discovered the BBC TV series Rosemary and Thyme. This about two middle aged lady gardeners who solve mysteries. In every episode they go to beautiful estate gardens. I rented it from Netflix.
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greenhaven
15 years ago
I love the writings of Barbara Kingsolver; your friend might have recommended any of her books. The bean Trees and Pigs in heaven both involve Native American characters.

Prodigal Summer, a favorite of mine, involves a small tobacco-farming community in the south.

But Animal, vegetable, Miracle is the story of how she and her family went a whole year only eating what they could buy within a hundred miles or grow themselves. WONDERFUL book! I loaned mine out...hope I get it back.

Then there is the classic non-Barbara Kingsolver "The Secret Garden." That was fun a book to read even at my age, about how the earth and wind and sun can work miracles in anyone.
dublinbay z6 (KS)
Original Author
15 years ago
janen--thanks for the suggestions. I'm not familiar with those authors but will check them out.

mendocino_rose--Diary of a Rose Lover sounds interesting. Another one to add to my reading list. I think I caught an episode of Rosemary and Thyme once--really enjoyed it, but didn't realize it was a series. Maybe we can find out if it is being re-run on one of the channels.

greenhaven--I really need to become better acquainted with Barbara Kingsolver's writings. So many people I know rave about her. Yes, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle was the one my friend recommended. After listening to her enthusiasm, I almost wished I had a couple free spots in my garden where I could grow some cucumbers and tomatoes--but somehow my roses get all those spots. Food for the soul, I say. LOL

Anyone else have a favorite?

Kate

Work of fiction features extraordinary gardens

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