The plantlore & garden-craft of Shakespeare

The book is divided into two main parts: the first focuses on the specific plants named in Shakespeare's works providing descriptions and historical context for each. The second part looks at garden craft including the practices of planting horticulture and the symbolism of gardens during Shakespeare’s time. Ellacombe draws connections between the language of flowers and the themes of love death and beauty that often appear in Shakespeare’s writing. For instance the book discusses how flowers like violets roses and daisies are not just part of the landscape in his plays but are laden with metaphorical significance. In addition to providing botanical information The Plantlore & Garden-Craft of Shakespeare offers a rich historical context for understanding the role of plants and gardens in Elizabethan society. Ellacombe also incorporates quotes from Shakespeare’s works to illustrate how he used flora to enrich the meaning of his texts. The book is a valuable resource for both literary scholars and gardening enthusiasts offering insight into the intersection of nature culture and literature in the Elizabethan period.