Revealing the most spectacular floral region on earth
The Silk Road – a name that has enchanted for centuries. Yet a well kept secret, even today, is that this fabled route linking Europe with Asia is also the most spectacular floral region on earth. Chris and Basak Gardner offer a unique pictorial celebration of the plants and scenery to be found along its 5,000 miles. Embracing Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Central Asia and China, more than five hundred of the finest wild flowers are depicted together with the beautiful landscapes in which these botanical paradises are found. With an accompanying text giving descriptions of the species, plant families and their distribution, as well as information on photographing plants in the wild, this unique book will amaze and delight not only those with an interest in the spectacular and legendary landscapes that form the Silk Road but also plantsmen and horticulturalists worldwide.
Reviews
“Without a shadow of a doubt this is the most spectacular account and presentation of native flora I have ever seen…”- The Garden (RHS Magazine), Roy Lancaster “Christopher and Basak Gardner have written the most beautiful new book called Flora of the Silk Road: An Illustrated Guide. Their book has taken me vicariously from Syria to China and has given me more pleasure than any colour-designed book I have read in years … For the gardener the book is a glimpse of paradise.”- Financial Times, Robin Lane-Fox
Author Biography: Chris and Basak Gardner have lead specialist botanical and wildlife tours worldwide for many years, particularly in the countries of the Silk Road. Both are professional botanists with extensive experience in identifying and photographing flowers. Chris is also an experienced garden designer and co-author of the successful book, ” The Plant Hunters” (1998). Basak was Head of Herbarium at Nezahat Gokyigit Botanic Garden in Istanbul.