Leaves from Gerard's Herball - Illustrated Garden Calendar and Herbal

In this review of Leaves from Gerard's Herball the reviewer finds a richly illustrated horticultural handbook that functions as a practical garden calendar and a historical herbal reference. Updated by Marcus Woodward from John Gerrard's 1597 Garden Herball, this volume is best for gardeners, herbalists, and botanical readers who want seasonal guidance and evocative period illustrations; the single biggest reason to buy is its organization by flowering season, which makes it simple to consult plants when planning or studying a garden through the year.

Key Features

• Seasonal organization: Plants are presented in their flowering season so readers can easily match advice and illustrations to the garden calendar.
• Historical revision: Marcus Woodward's update respects the original 1597 structure while clarifying plant entries for a modern reader.
• Illustrated plates: Detailed botanical illustrations accompany entries, helping identification and appreciation of each plant's form and features.
• Wide plant range: Entries span common food and medicinal plants such as tobacco, onions, poppies, sunflowers, and peach trees, providing diverse practical and historical context.
• Horticultural focus: The book readably combines gardening notes and herbal lore, useful for planning, cultivation, and informal study.

Who It's For

This edition is ideal for amateur and experienced gardeners who appreciate a historical perspective and want a readable seasonal reference rather than a dense technical manual. It suits those interested in herbal remedies and traditional plant uses who enjoy period illustrations and a calendar-style layout.

Those seeking modern, detailed cultivation protocols, exhaustive scientific taxonomy, or illustrated step-by-step growing tutorials may prefer a contemporary how-to manual instead; this book complements practical guides rather than replacing them.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides a clear garden calendar approach that makes seasonal planning straightforward.
• Marcus Woodward's revision preserves historical value while improving readability for modern readers.
• Illustrations aid in identifying and appreciating plants across seasons.

Cons

• The handbook is not a replacement for modern, technical cultivation guides with detailed growing schedules and modern pest management advice.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Leaves from Gerard's Herball is a worthwhile buy for gardeners and herbal enthusiasts who value historical context and an easy-to-use seasonal layout. It blends evocative illustrations with useful seasonal entries, making it good value as a reference and a coffee-table volume for anyone interested in traditional horticulture and plant history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a modern gardening manual?
Answer. No, it is a revised historical herbal presented as a garden calendar rather than a step-by-step modern cultivation guide.

Does it include illustrations of plants?
Answer. Yes, the book contains detailed botanical illustrations accompanying the plant entries.

Who revised the original 1597 work?
Answer. The book was updated and revised by Marcus Woodward to form the current garden calendar edition.