Enchanting botanical fiction: Leafy legends

'The Secret Garden'

In The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, young Mary Lennox uncovers a hidden, overgrown garden at her uncle's Yorkshire estate. As she restores the garden, she also changes the lives of those around her, including her ill cousin Colin. This enduring classic emphasizes the healing power of nature and continues to be adored by generations of readers.

'The Language of Flowers'

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh features Victoria Jones at eighteen, leaving the foster system, isolated and uncertain. She communicates through the meanings of flowers, which she uses to forge and regulate connections. Weaving her past with her present, the story reveals a heartfelt tale of forgiveness, love, and the serendipitous discovery of family in places one least expects to find them.

'The Overstory'

Richard Powers' The Overstory intertwines the lives of nine characters with those of trees and forests. It's an epic saga that spans generations focusing on how humans are connected to each other through nature's most steadfast guardians - trees. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel challenges readers to look beyond their human-centric view of the world and appreciate the complex ecosystems around us.

'Into the forest'

Set in near-future Northern California, Into the Forest by Jean Hegland tells the story of two sisters living alone in their forest home as society crumbles around them. It's a poignant exploration of survival, family bonds and humanity's connection to nature. As resources dwindle, they must rely on each other—and their understanding of natural living—to face challenges together.