Christina Harrison – författare

A celebration of the beauty, diversity, importance and sheer wonder of the most remarkable trees, with exquisite illustrations from the incomparable collections of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. More than 60,000 species of trees are found in an amazing variety of forms, sizes and habitats. Every tree has its own story and here are over 60, selected for their particular resonance and connection with humankind and representing most of the world’s major zones and ecologies. In this compact edition, portraits that combine vivid cultural and historical narrative with a firm scientific grounding, the authors reveal the details of trees from around the world, both familiar and strange. We use timbers for building and creating, have discovered which tree fruits and seeds taste delicious, and which can kill or cure us, and which species can add colour and spirituality to our lives – from the timber of mahogany to the delights of chocolate and pomegranate, from the medicinal tea tree to the deadly manchineel, and from fragrant frankincense to the highly prized dragon’s blood tree. Artists and botanists alike have been inspired by trees for centuries, and a varied and beautiful range of images from the unrivalled archive at Kew illustrate the stories, to create this enlightening and enchanting book.

To some, trees are green monuments; emerald cathedrals that augment our landscape and bewitch us with their folklore; to others they are vital for survival, providing shade, food, fuel and medicine.Indeed, Britain’s own history is entangled with the oak, yew, ash, and other trees that clothe our countryside and it was not so long ago that we used them for everything from weapons to water carriers. The world of trees is an immensely diverse and vitally important one.Kew holds over 14,000 trees in its 132 hectares: a unique mix of the rare, ancient, useful and beautiful. In Kew’s Big Trees you can discover how one of the world’s best tree collections came to be; learn the stories behind 20 of its most intriguing trees and find out just why trees are so important to us all.

A celebration of trees with beautiful botanical art at its centre, along with entertaining and informative text. Paintings by botanical artist Masumi Yamanaka illustrate the oldest and finest trees at Kew Gardens, showing flowers, foliage and fruit at different stages throughout the year. The artist’s preface describes the artistic process from sketch to finished work.Christina Harrison's introductory chapter on the history of tree collecting and introduction highlights their importance, from their practical applications to the sheer wonder of their beauty. Some trees featured were planted in the 18th century, with many now rare in the wild.Each tree is accompanied by the artist's commentary on her personal experience with it and writing by Martyn Rix describing natural distribution and cultivation history, and points of interest including uses and associated wildlife.

Following the First World War, Kew conifer expert William Dallimore noticed that years of increasing industrial pollution in London was found to be adversely impacting the growth of the trees and went in search of a better environment to house Kew’s conifer collection. With varied topography and a mixture of soil types, Bedgebury proved to be ideal, and the first planting of trees grown at Kew took place there in 1925. Today Bedgebury is home to nearly 12,000 tree specimens and is a centre for conifer science and conservation. At the heart of the book are the botanical paintings by the Bedgebury National Pinetum Florilegium Society. Founded in 2008, this group of botanical artists are dedicated to documenting the Pinetum’s remarkable plant collection through scientifically accurate and artistically stunning illustrations.

Stretching across two-thirds of the Gardens, the arboretum at Kew surrounds the glasshouses in a leafy enclave to walk, wander and discover nature's beauty. The 12,000 trees rooted in the arboretum represent more than 2,000 species, including rare and ancient varieties. This great collection contains trees as old as the Gardens themselves, many that cannot be found anywhere else in Britain.But who looks after these vast landscapes?Introducing the Tree Gang - Kew's team of eight who work tirelessly throughout the year to maintain this rare collection.In this new book from Kew, you'll discover the fascinating work of the Tree Gang: the team of eight that care for the trees at Kew. Going behind the scenes, you'll learn more about life at Kew from the people who tend and care for the Gardens - from the daily tree assessments to the intermittent tree felling. As the climate becomes more variable, the gang's work is ever more crucial as they brace for the storms ahead.AMONG THE GIANTS weaves together heartwarming stories alongside the fascinating life of trees. This book will inspire you to learn from the experts, and grow an appreciation for the trees around you.

As you wander through the gardens at Kew, stretching across two-thirds of the grounds lies the arboretum. This great collection contains trees as old as the Gardens themselves, many that cannot be found anywhere else in Britain. It is a unique spectacle, full of luscious species, towering redwoods, and hidden life within its branches.Throughout the year, you'll find the protectors of this mighty collection. Named the Tree Gang, this team of eight care for the trees across the whole of Kew Gardens. From their daily tree assessments to the intermittent tree felling, journey with the gang to discover why the gang's work is more crucial than ever.AMONG THE GIANTS shares heartwarming stories alongside the fascinating insights into the secret life of trees and how they change throughout the seasons - all from the comfort of your armchair.