From the backcover:

He is a traveller in a time of discovery, and the greatest gardening pioneer of his day. Yet John Tradescant is a man of humble birth, trusted by the kingdom's greatest leaders:politicians, aristocrats, even royalty. Surrounded by luxury and intrigue, Tradescant gives all his attention to his magnificent gardens, in the midst of a society on the brink of upheaval.

I started to read this, but it was a wrong time. No going of to Lukutuoli, while I read other books.

I got this from chirel in our local BC-meeting this night. Going back to her after I've read it.
EDIT 15.02.2007
I started to read this, but couldn't concentrate on it at all. I tried to force myself until page 141, but then I decided to let it be. I don't know, why I found this book so stressing to read, I had enjoyed The Wise Woman by the same author much more.
There are so many books waiting in my TBR-shelf, that I'll continue reading with something more enjoyable.

Chirel promised that I may read this before it returns to her. Thanks! :)

I liked this book. There were many detailed descriptions about plants, but they didn't disturb me. I mean, I like plants but I'm not a very good gardener myself, plants often tend to die when I try to take care of them. I wonder why... ;-D

However, the main character (John) was somewhat irritating because he was so naive. Of course, I still understand that he was a product of his time. In the 1700th century you probably didn't suspect authorities, they were probably as clear as the laws of nature and taken for granted. However, John was rather selfish too...

Anyway, I like books by Philippa Gregory and hope to read the second part (Virgin Earth), too. Thanks, Chirel! You'll get the book back when we see at meeting.

The book has returned to my TBR pile.

I gave up after the first chapter. I read another book by Gregory and it was a weird combination of annoying and fascinating. I'm not sure I want to read something like that again :D Also I kept mixing up the two characters in the first chapter. How hard is it to choose a name and stick to it? I counted five variations for Sir Robert Cecil in the first five pages.

Tuon tamperelaisten tapaamiseen.

Gardening pioneer interests me a lot.
Thank you for the book, Chirel! It was good that you warned me for the five variations for Sir Robert Cecil. Maybe it is easier to read the book bearing this in mind.

This book was not my kind of garden, either.
I left the book at the entrance of Teatteri Alberga.
Happy reading!

Nimikirjainhaaste