The Joy of Weeds

A colourful, illustrated celebration of wild plants around the world, and why we should love them not loathe them, with 50 graphic illustrations by Paul Farrell. To call a plant a weed is doing it a real injustice. It's simply a wild plant that is not deliberately cultivated, growing where it is not wanted. By this definition, virtually any plant outside a carefully tended garden is a weed. The intolerance of weeds is a mark of how we have turned our backs on nature and urbanized our land and lives. In this enlightening survey, illustrator Paul Farrell uncovers the wild beauty in weeds and explains the benefits of rewilding ourselves a little. Weeds can be medicine, food, and an important aid for wildlife. One person's weed is another's wild beauty. Paul's brilliant modernist illustration style shows us dandelions, thistles and feverfew in a whole new light. Each of the 50 weeds featured is accompanied by a quirky history and its uses in medicine, cooking, arts and even industry. Sample contents:US/Canada weeds: Dandelion; Daisy; Groundsell; Chickweed; Nettle; Wild carrot; Sumac.UK/Europe weeds: Foxglove; Deadly nightshade; Yarrow; Rosebay willowherb; Herb Robert; Scarlet Pimpernel; Violet; Wood Sorrel; Red valerian; Common knapweed - Young people are taking up gardening like never before. Paul Farrell's graphic approach is a refreshing alternative to traditional horticulture manuals with uninspiring visuals.- Appreciating weeds taps into the new gardening - ditch the weedkiller and lawn sprinkler for nature-friendly, low-maintenance plants and a touch of rewilding in your yard.- Foraging and growing your own food is a huge trend. Why not make the most of the plants that grow without any help at all? Competition: RHS Weeds;The Gardeners' World Almanac;Wild About Weed;Eat Weeds;The Forager's Calendar;Garden Apothecary;Do Bees Need Weeds;RHS Botany for Gardeners:. Royal Horticultural Society;Monty Don;Amy Stweart;Richard Mabey;Jack Wallington;Diego Bonetto;John Wright;Becky Cole;Ian Spence;Holly Farrell