Lilies of the Hearth

Library Journal

In tracing the history of female involvement with plants, Bennett gardening editor of Harrowsmith magazine suggests that in ancient times this relationship was a source of strength for women, in their roles as herbal healers, food providers, and, symbolically, fertility and nature goddesses. Over the past several centuries this bond weakened, as herbalists were condemned as witches and upper-class women gave up dirt gardening for fey crafts like wax-flower making. Only recently have women regained some stature as botanists, horticulturalists, garden designers, artists, and writers. Bennett also discusses topics such as convent gardens, pioneer women and their gardens, and hallucinogenic drugs used by ``witches.'' This interesting book would be a fine addition to women's studies, as well as general collections.-- Beth Clewis, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community Coll. Lib., Richmond, Va.