Kirjahaku

Discover the wonders at the centre of our planet's ecosystem.In ten short and accessible essays, science and nature writer Carolyn Fry takes us on an awe-inspiring journey of the Earth's lungs. From what makes a plant a tree and the incredible impact of forests, to how trees are under attack and what we can do to save them, this book will enthral and inform on the monumental power of the humble tree.Trees: 10 things you should know is an essential introduction to why trees are so important, and why our lives depend on them!

Discover a vast treasure trove of botanical knowledge in The Botanist’s Library, a superbly illustrated collection of 300+ seminal books and illustrations from throughout history. From the earliest manuscripts penned by visionary naturalists to the modern tomes that continue to shape our understanding of the plant kingdom, this book is a testament to the tireless dedication of the world's greatest botanists. Its compelling narrative and visual journey make it a must-have addition to the library of anyone fascinated by the beauty and complexity of the plant kingdom. This complete guide traces the development of botanical science through era-defining publications, covering: Historia Plantarum, the first history of botany, written between c. 350 BC and c. 287 BC in which Theophrastus described plants by their uses, and attempted a biological classification based on how plants reproduced to the authors of the herbals of the 16th century Brunfels, Fuchs, Bock and Mattioli, who regarded plants as the vehicles of medicinal virtues The golden age of the 18th- and 19th-century flower hunters who travelled to every corner of the world in search of new and exotic plants Today’s most significant works of botanical reference Each chapter delves into the pages of a seminal work, unveiling the insights, controversies, and stories behind the books that have shaped our understanding of the plant world. Whether you are a seasoned botanist, a budding enthusiast, or simply someone with an insatiable curiosity about the natural world, The Botanist's Library offers a comprehensive reference that will enrich your understanding of botany and its evolution.

As you wander through the gardens at Kew, stretching across two-thirds of the grounds lies the arboretum. This great collection contains trees as old as the Gardens themselves, many that cannot be found anywhere else in Britain. It is a unique spectacle, full of luscious species, towering redwoods, and hidden life within its branches. Throughout the year, you'll find the protectors of this mighty collection. Named the Tree Gang, this team of eight care for the trees across the whole of Kew Gardens. From their daily tree assessments to the intermittent tree felling, journey with the gang to discover why the gang's work is more crucial than ever. AMONG THE GIANTS shares heartwarming stories alongside the fascinating insights into the secret life of trees and how they change throughout the seasons - all from the comfort of your armchair.

A showcase of more than 70 iconic plants, buildings and objects from Kew’s expansive collections. Uncover curiosities of nature and fascinating objects, including coffee beans from the tomb of Tutankhamun, contemporary botanical illustrations, and the vast and unusual titan arum or ‘corpse flower’ which famously blooms with a foul smell for a fleeting 24 hours. Icons of Kew offers a snapshot into the collections, history and landscape of the renowned gardens. Explore the broad range of Kew’s conservation work, intricate 17th century artworks, restored Victorian glasshouses, and recent research efforts, such as those to preserve the critically endangered smallest waterlily in the world. Beautifully illustrated throughout with colour photography and archival artwork, this marvellous compendium is a celebration of the diverse collections and vital work of The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

As humans adapt to a changing climate and planet, there is a pressing need for wild plant seed banks, and an urgent effort to conserve all plant diversity. Kew's Millennium Seed Bank is a unique, global asset. The largest seed bank of its kind in the world dedicated to wild plant species, it contains the world's most diverse seed collections. Over the past 10 years more than 3.5 billion seeds from nearly 25,000 species have been collected and stored in seed banks both in their country of origin and in Kew's Millennium Seed Bank. In October 2009 Kew's Millennium Seed Bank celebrated collecting, banking and conserving 10% of the world's wild plant species and the partnership now spans more than 120 institutions in 54 countries. The Last Great Plant Hunt describes the importance of seed collecting and the work of Kew's Millennium Seed Bank, the process of collecting and taking care of seeds, the uses of banked seed, and the future of seed conservation worldwide. Beautifully illustrated and engagingly written.