From the technologically revolutionary to the downright ridiculous, this collection of concise musings documents the varied and often humorous relationships humans have developed with members of the plant kingdom.

These pithy stories span species celebrated as tribal fodder to delicacies elevated as some of our most valued possessions, from the ultimate symbols of devotion and love to campaigns that resulted in genocide, revolt and the shaping of the global political landscape, demonstrating a relationship between humans and the plant kingdom as broad, wonderful, and strange as the plants themselves.

Chris Beardshaw is one of the leading lights in the world of gardening. On screen and on air, Chris is loved by millions for his ability to communicate and share his rich vein of knowledge with warmth and enthusiasm. Chris heads up a private design practice and has undertaken commissions for a number of high profile projects for clients such as English Heritage, The RSPB, RNLI and Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre. He is a regular columnist for The English Garden and Garden News, and is the author of three books.