THEn spring the flowers bloom on the terraces and in the gardens and cheer up the spirit and make our days more pleasant. The same goes for books.
Protagonists of authorial photos or stories that make you feel good, the flowers with their colored corollas that open with the first sun become protagonists of novels and essays for enthusiasts and beyond. Beautiful books to keep and browse when you need a dose of beauty.
Here are 8 of them on the art of blossoming in spring.
News from Guido Tommasi Editore, Hydrangeas is entirely dedicated to one of the most loved and appreciated flowerseven if at the beginning they were the “ugly duckling” of the flora. Extremely versatilethere are many species and they are suitable for both garden and balcony cultivation. The book features a very rich iconographic apparatus which highlights all the beauty of the 50 varieties proposed.
Perfect for lovers of this flower but also for those looking for practical advice for their cultivation.
“Lovers of succulents” by Chiara Rimazzi
Succulent plant lovers it’s not just a Facebook group: it is the largest Italian community dedicated to succulentsa point of reference that brings together over 600,000 enthusiasts.
A virtual place where questions, photos, experiences, mistakes, successes and – above all – concrete solutions are shared every day. The official community book was born from this collective experience. Chiara Rimazzi, administrator of the group, has collected years of direct discussion with novice and passionate growers, transforming the shared knowledge into a complete guideclear and structured that follows the life cycle of succulents.
Perfect for those who love this type of plant, because growing succulents is not just a hobby: it is a way to slow down, observe and learn from nature’s patience.
Succulent plant lovers, Rizzoli, 288 pages, €19.90
“The apple and the butterfly” by Iela and Enzo Mari
A clear and well-made book that explains the magic of the circle of nature with simple words and poetic drawings. Following an apple and a butterfly through the different seasons.
To be read with the little ones to be fascinated at all ages.
Perfect for little gardeners of today and tomorrow.
“The apple and the butterfly” by Iela and Enzo Mari, Babalibri, 44 pages, €12
The Magical Library of Cherry Blossoms by Takuya Asakura
On the wave of sensations and positive emotions that Japanese literature emanates, this novel has life inside as its protagonist a very particular bookcase that only appears during the fleeting cherry blossom season. Within its spaces, fantasies and memories come to life while a light melody spreads across the shelves and the aroma of coffee invades the spaces. Mysterious and sweet.
Perfect for all those who want, or need, a delicate story, and a space where they can find harmony sometimes lost.
The Magic Library of Cherry Blossoms by Takuya Asakura, Harper Collins, 256 pages, €9.99
“Small illustrated manual for flower hunters”
Ready to explore! Among the spring books, this one is published by Il Saggiatore and from the collection The Assayer’s Workshop it is meant for collect emotions and memories that are hidden behind every bulb, every petal and every flower during a spring day. The illustrations are by Marina Lombardi and are also present inside blank pages where you can keep the petals, tell about the walks, the cultivation techniques, the symbolism behind each flower.
Perfect for all those who they have the “mania” of recording every daily detail on paperevery moment and every sensation.
“Small illustrated manual for flower hunters”, Il Saggiatore, 136 pages, €15
“A Garden Eden. Masterpieces of Botanical Illustration”
A real botanical cataloguelike those of the past, complete with color images, reproductions ranging from 6th century manuscripts to twentieth century masterpieces. A collection that not only celebrates the great variety of flora, even spontaneous, but also the talent of botanical artists who have portrayed them over the centuries.
Perfect for true enthusiasts of this world.
“A Garden Eden. Masterpieces of Botanical Illustration”, Taschen, 576 pages, €60
“Sacred Nature. When the Earth was God” by Alexi Lubomirski
Photo book by Alexi Lubomirski, Sacred Nature. When the Earth was God it is a tribute to flowers but from an unusual point of view. The photographer immortalized them when they were finished, or were about to wither. The idea is therefore to go beyond the classic glossy images of nature, “perfect to use as a screensaver” as the photographer himself says, pInstead, realize that nature is alive and hides a lot of magic within itself. The proceeds from the sale go to the association Hope and Playto support children living in refugee camps.
Perfect For those who want to go beyond appearances and look for something deeper.
“Sacred Nature. When the Earth was God” by Alexi Lubomirski, 116 pages, €55
“How flowers made our world” by David George Haskell
Former biology professor, David George Haskell talks about the extraordinary role of flowers in his new book How flowers made our world. In a perfect fusion between poetry and science, the author tells not only the contribution that flowers give to the planet but also their romantic and poetic aspect. Just released, the book aims to tell their evolution over the millennia and their influence on biodiversity and climate change. Highlighting their extraordinary adaptability and thus becoming true protagonists of unique global ecosystems.
Perfect for whoever wants learn about flowers in the broader context of nature.
“How flowers made our world” by David George Haskell, 352 pages, €20.89
“Living with flowers” by Aerin Lauder
Granddaughter of the famous Estée Lauder, Aerin Lauder also inherited her passion for flowers from her grandmother. In this coffee-table book published by Rizzoli, the founder of the Aerin brand tells how to “bring them home”. Whether it is a classic bouquet bought for fun, a bouquet designed instead for a dinner with friends or floral motifs to choose for the upholstery, Aerin Lauder knows her way around the floral world perfectly. Which adapts to every occasion, every event and every holiday of the year.
Perfect For who loves immerse yourself in the beauty but also look for some practical adviceperhaps for Christmas decorations or which flowers to choose based on the season.
“Living with flowers” by Aerin Lauder, 262 pages, €46.69
“Saudi-Arabia: Al-Ahsa Oasis”
Sixth book from the publishing house dedicated to Saudi Arabia, this time it is a homage to the largest oasis on the planet, Al-Ahsa covering 8 1/2 acres on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. A World Heritage Site, within this enormous space there is lush nature which also includes many date palms as well as flowers that grow in the desert. A curiosity: the book also tells about how to live inside this oasis.
Perfect for them more curious people who want to know the most fascinating details of our planet.