Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 7 votes)
5 stars
2(29%)
4 stars
3(43%)
3 stars
2(29%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
7 reviews
July 15,2025
... Show More
Meh, the concept was indeed rather nice. However, the way it was carried out seemed to lack any real soul.

I did like those old black and white photos of her house. They had a certain charm. But it would have been so much better if there was more substance throughout.

None of those good ideas managed to be fully realized.

Moreover, that pale green text was extremely hard to see. It was a real eyesore.

What should have been done was not only to mention her favorite garden and wildflowers but also everything else she grew in her garden. This could include flowering vines, trees, fruits and vegetables, and herbs.

And then, there should have been modern photos of each one, along with detailed information about each plant.

Oh, and more poetry! There was hardly any poetry in there. It really needed that extra touch of beauty and emotion that poetry can bring.

Overall, it had potential, but it just didn't quite hit the mark.
July 15,2025
... Show More
A lovely gift for a gardening friend, or someone who wants to further explore the setting in which Emily Dickinson wrote her poems. What could make a better combination than gardening and poetry?

Gardening is a wonderful and therapeutic activity. It allows one to connect with nature, watch plants grow, and create a beautiful outdoor space. For a gardening friend, a gift that combines their love for plants with the beauty of poetry would be truly special.

On the other hand, for those who are interested in Emily Dickinson's poems, exploring the setting in which she wrote can add a new dimension to their understanding and appreciation. The natural world was a significant influence on Dickinson's work, and a gift that helps them to experience that setting firsthand would be highly valued.

In conclusion, a gift that combines gardening and poetry is a unique and thoughtful choice. It can bring joy and inspiration to both the recipient and the giver. Whether it's a book of poems about gardening, a set of garden tools with poetic inscriptions, or a beautiful garden sculpture inspired by a poem, there are many ways to create this perfect combination.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I truly have a profound sense that Emily Dickinson is my spiritual guide.

This remarkable book is an absolute gem and was tailor-made for me. It masterfully combines an abundance of vivid and detailed anecdotes that are artfully interspersed with beautiful posies of poetry.

As I engage with this book, it feels as if I am lazing on a soft cloud, completely at ease, and happily counting the delicate daisies.

It exudes a literary luxuriousness that is simply captivating.

It is indeed such a great shame that her life was tragically cut short.

However, we are all incredibly lucky to still be able to enjoy not only her remarkable poetic eloquence but also her intense naturalist passions.

Her works continue to inspire and touch the hearts of countless readers, leaving an indelible mark on the literary world.

July 15,2025
... Show More
What a truly delightful book this is!

Although the subtitle of the version I possess is "The Plants & Places that Inspired the Iconic Poet", the overall structure of the book is centered around "the Turning of the Year". It progresses through different seasons such as early spring, late spring, early summer, late summer, and so on.

The last three chapters specifically focus on Emily Dickinson's garden, which is situated near Amherst College in Massachusetts. Throughout the book, there is a continuous sprinkling of beautiful photographs and enchanting poems, accompanied by an annotated list of Emily Dickinson's plants.

This book would make an excellent gift for a gardener, particularly one who has an appreciation for American history and/or poetry. It offers a unique and captivating exploration of the connection between nature, plants, and the inspiring world of Emily Dickinson.
July 15,2025
... Show More

A great combination of two of my favourite things - poetry and gardening. It's truly a wonderful blend that brings a unique charm. The way this is written is excellent, with a generous amount of biography interwoven. It's extremely interesting to see the plants that Emily loved and wrote about.


Each plant seems to have a story of its own, a connection to Emily's life and her creative spirit. The descriptions are so vivid that one can almost picture those plants in full bloom, as if they are right there in front of us.


It makes me appreciate both poetry and gardening even more. It shows how these two seemingly different aspects of life can come together to create something truly special and beautiful. It's a joy to read and explore this fascinating connection between Emily's love for plants and her gift for writing poetry.

July 15,2025
... Show More
I recently made a visit to Emily Dickinson's house in Amherst, Ma. However, I was a bit disappointed with the gardens. After perusing her herbarium book (there is a link via the Harvard Univ website for a digitized view of this magnificent collection), I had anticipated feeling a certain inspiration from the property gardens.

The house and the staff were wonderful, but I guess I was seeking something more from the gardens and didn't quite experience it. Then, I purchased Marta McDowell's book, which I found used as I don't believe it is currently being published. This is precisely where I discovered what I had been looking for.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I learned an abundance of things about Emily and her life within the gardens. Additionally, this book is filled with garden tips and useful information. It was truly a delight to read and provided me with the inspiration and knowledge that I had hoped to gain from my visit to Emily Dickinson's house.

July 15,2025
... Show More

It's a truly wonderful mix that combines Emily Dickinson's enchanting gardens, her profound and beautiful poetry, and some general gardening advice. Emily Dickinson's gardens were a source of inspiration for her, and her descriptions of the flowers, plants, and nature within them are vivid and full of life. Her poetry, in turn, offers unique insights into the beauty and mystery of the natural world.


When it comes to general gardening advice, there are many tips and tricks that can help you create a beautiful and thriving garden. From choosing the right plants for your climate and soil type to proper watering and fertilizing, there are many factors to consider. By following some basic gardening principles, you can enjoy a garden that is not only beautiful but also a source of relaxation and enjoyment.


Overall, this mix of Emily Dickinson's gardens, her poetry, and general gardening advice offers a unique and inspiring perspective on the joys of gardening and the beauty of nature. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just starting out, there is something here for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.