This book is a collection of profiles of women who have impacted in one way or another in the world of plants. Those included range from our very own Alys Fowler – listed as horticulturalist, educator, author, and journalist – through to artists, scientists, chefs, environmentalists and many more. Each profile gives us a brief insight into their work, their landscape or plant and some information about their journey with plants. Each entry is so different from the one before and reflects the personality of the woman being profiled.

The format of this book makes it easy to dip in and out of and with so much information available across the spectrum of inspirational women. One part that I particularly liked was the short list of “other inspiring women” that each of the entrants had submitted. This bullets the top women that each of these women themselves looks to and has learned from on their own journey – also highlighting those amazing women who came before.

The book itself is beautifully presented with photos of the subjects and their own work. The format and layout bring together a vast subject area into a cohesive whole which not only makes sense as an individual volume but also as a compilation of a group of extraordinary women who, hopefully, will positively stimulate those in the future, as they themselves have been inspired.

Reviewed by Drew Speller – Herb Society Chairperson

The Earth in Her Hands – 75 Extraordinary Women Working in the World of Plants

Jennifer Jewell

Timber Press

ISBN 9781604699029