Shakespeare's Gardens is a highly illustrated, informative book about
the gardens that William Shakespeare knew as a boy and tended as a man,
published to coincide with the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death
in April 2016. This anniversary will be the focus of literary
celebration of the man's life and work throughout the English speaking
world and beyond. The book will focus on the gardens that Shakespeare
knew, including the five gardens in Stratford upon Avon in which he
gardened and explored. From his birthplace in Henley Street, to his
childhood playground at Mary Arden's Farm, to his courting days at Anne
Hathaway's Cottage and his final home at New Place - where he created a
garden to reflect his fame and wealth. Cared for by the Shakespeare
Birthplace Trust, these gardens are continually evolving to reflect our
ongoing knowledge of his life. The book will also explore the plants
that Shakespeare knew and wrote about in 17th century England: their use
in his work and the meanings that his audiences would have picked up
on - including mulberries, roses, daffodils, pansies, herbs and a host
of other flowers. More than four centuries after the playwright lived,
whenever we think of thyme, violets or roses, we more often than not
still remember a quote from the 39 plays and 154 sonnets written by him.
