Presents a collection of accumulated wisdom, old wives' tales and gardening proverbs. This work contains generations of advice, both sound and questionable, from considering the seasons and wildlife in your garden, to growing better fruit, vegetables, herbs and trees. It is also a tribute to the time-honoured traditional gardening techniques.
With a foreword by Julian Fellowes, creator of Downton Abbey who concludes that: `This is the world that Ruth Binney has brought so wonderfully to life in her book'.
This fascinating compilation of accumulated wisdom includes traditional sayings and superstitions to explain whether, and why, they still work today. With advice on the practical necessities of cooking, gardening, housekeeping and health, as well as proverbial wisdom concerning good behaviour for children, adults and life in general.
Why is 7 a lucky number and 13 unlucky? Why does a jury traditionally have `12 good men and true', and why are there 24 hours in the day? This fascinating book explores the world of numbers from pin numbers to book titles, and from the sixfold shape of snowflakes to the way our roads, houses and telephone numbers are designated in fact and fiction.
Tells the fascinating, entertaining and often extraordinary stories behind the objects all around us
From time immemorial, people have sought to understand the mysteries of the natural world, giving rise to a wealth of myths and legends connected to plant life. In addition to their imaginative appeal, these oral traditions offered practical advice about which flowers, trees, and plants could provide foods, remedies, and construction materials. This richly illustrated volume provides a treasury of ancient wisdom, exploring the sound principles behind traditional advice, along with a wealth of fanciful beliefs.Naturalist Ruth Binney recounts charming examples of floral symbolism, linking roses with romance, lilies with purity, and poppies with sleep. She examines tree lore and the association of trees with wisdom and knowledge, from the coveted crown of laurel awarded to ancient Greek poets and Roman generals to the palm branches presented to pilgrims returning from the Holy Land. A survey of the power of plants ranges from the rituals that ensure a good harvest and a newly married couple's fertility to the healing qualities of oil of cloves for toothache, cherries for gout, and aloe vera for burns. Abounding in fascinating facts and fancies, this absorbing compilation will captivate lovers of plants and gardens.
Danny is having trouble learning to dribble the football. Can he learn the skills and save the day in Dino-land with the help of his mascot? Come on an adventure to Dino-land and learn to play Danny's Dinosaur Dribble. This fully illustrated and highly entertaining children's book features an incredible mix of football and dinosaurs.
Unearths a wealth of intriguing truths about British royal domestic life, royal celebrations, royal etiquette, wisdom and sayings, and how they have shaped history. Covering the period from Henry VIII to Queen Elizabeth II, this book presents interesting, surprising and little-known facts and stories about a wide range of topics.
This fascinating and entertaining book explores the flora and fauna, quirky country customs and traditions, the nature and history that give the English countryside its unique charm and special identity. From the standing stones and carvings of our ancestors to the habits of the wildlife living in the hedgerows and woodlands.
A wealth of stories, myths and legends about animals are gathered together in this fascinating book. Here you will discover traditional wisdom and also highly fanciful superstitions, intriguing tales and amusing anecdotes. Sequel to Plant Lore and Legend.