Product Description

This truly gothic tale—a “facsimile” of Weed’s journal found at Alnwick Castle, in England—is not only a story of the battle between good and evil, but an educational parable of the curative and lethal properties of plants.

Weed—an orphan boy who apprentices with an evil old apothecary—is both used and abused. His journal is part botanical workbook and part diary of his own relationship with poisonous plants.

Weed discovers that he is one of the few people whom the plants talk to, and they try to persuade him that, with their help, his master can easily be disposed of. Although he refuses at first, after Weed’s first love, Marigold, experiments with the poisons and dies, he is pushed over the edge and plots to kill his master with a taste of his own evil medicine.

Each chapter of the story begins with Weed’s botanical notes: a plant’s appearance and properties, where it is found, how it should be cared for, the most poisonous parts, and how poison is extracted and administered. Accompanied by Weed’s sketches of the plants in their natural form, his diary also reveals the “real” personalities of the plants.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #455089 in Books
• Published on: 2007-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 80 pages

About the Author
Jane, Duchess of Northumberland has long researched poison gardens. She is responsible for creating the Poison Garden at Alnwick Gardens in England, which opened in 2004 to worldwide acclaim. The Poison Garden is the culmination of her life’s goal to teach children and adults alike the curative and lethal properties of poisonous plants.

Colin Stimpson worked as an animator at Steven Spielberg’s Amblimation studio in London and then at Disney Feature Animation in California.

Customer Reviews

The Perfect Book
I saw a brief review of this book in a magazine and (being a Master Gardener)was intriqued by its title. I went to a local bookstore to see if it was worth the price. It was and bought it on Amazon. Though not truly for adults, I do not have children and still enjoyed it. The illustrations are wonderful and the story quite Dickinsonian/Victorian. Everyone I have shared this book with has bought it and found it equally delightful. At the price it makes a great gift.

Fascinatinly different
Let's face it: usually and typically Garden books are a Find for Gardeners only. But this one? Different species altogether!
I found the book by mere chance in our College bookstore and was immediately smitten. Everything fits in this book: an eyecatching cover, fabulous layout, quirky story and really interesting botanical information. I found some "Lords&Ladies" in my own backyard and let me tell you, after reading the book I will stay away from them and definitely never tell any visiting children about them, either.
Great coffee table book with a twist for not just plant lovers and a wonderfully macabre garden story that is just plain neat.

Clever concept, beautiful art
How refreshing to find an illustrated book that's not necessarily a children's book. While macabre at it's core, it's a fun and lighthearted read akin to Edward Gorey and Tim Burton. If you enjoy fantasy or mystery novels, gothic fare, etc... don't miss the opportunity to read this little gem.