I’ve been gathering quite a collection of gardening books here at Ash Tree Books—many of them antiquarian, out-of-print, or otherwise collectible. There are just too many to get listed all at once, so I thought I’d try something a little different: show them to you!
In this video, I’m joined by my youngest daughter and bookshop helper, Mayleah (age 6), as we hold up and open a selection of the gardening books currently waiting to be posted. From classic herbals and Victorian gardening guides to beautifully illustrated hardcovers and vintage plant encyclopedias, there’s a little bit of everything.
If one of the books catches your eye, feel free to message me for details or to request a private listing. I’m happy to hold or send more photos if something speaks to you.
Sometimes the best way to find the right book is simply to see it.
– Ashley
Let’s Stay Connected ! If you enjoy bookish treasures, Rune sets, and glimpses into my collection, you can find me here:
There’s something quietly magical about old books on nature, gardening, and wildlife. These are among my absolute favorite titles to collect and offer through Ash Tree Books. Whether it’s a richly illustrated guide to wildflowers, a vintage manual on home gardening, or a study of birdsong and animal behavior—these works connect us to the rhythms of the natural world in ways that are both beautiful and grounding.
Title page – 1937 The Complete Book of Gardening by John Coutts Illustrated
Many of these books feature hand-painted illustrations, intricate diagrams, and advice that remains just as relevant today as when it was first printed. There’s wisdom in their pages that doesn’t age—gardening techniques, seasonal observations, and a deep reverence for biodiversity that feels especially poignant in our fast-paced, screen-heavy lives.
1953 The Grafter’s Handbook by R. J. Garner
1953 The Grafter’s Handbook by R. J. Garner – methods of grafting
These books also carry the charm of personal history—margin notes from gardeners long gone, pressed leaves between pages, or dedications written in elegant hand. They’re not just practical or beautiful—they’re part of a quiet legacy of people who paid close attention to the world around them. Whether you’re restoring a heritage garden, identifying native plants, or flipping through field guides on local birds, these works offer a unique blend of nostalgia, knowledge, and inspiration. For lovers of ornithology, especially, there’s something timeless about the detailed bird illustrations and patient observations captured long before the age of apps and algorithms
owls – 1936 Birds of America – pages inside
I recently shared a photo of some of these treasures on my Ash Tree Books Facebook and Instagram pages—a small sampling of the kinds of books I’ll be adding to a new section on my website, now live and dedicated solely to this category: 🌿 Nature, Gardening & Wildlife
📚 Nature, Gardening & Wildlife A curated collection celebrating the beauty and diversity of the natural world—covering everything from growing your own food, to identifying plants and birds, to understanding ecosystems and animal behavior. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a casual nature lover, or a curious soul drawn to the outdoors, there’s something here to spark your wonder.
This is just a glimpse—many of the books in the photo will be added to the website soon, and I have many more still to come. If you love botanical illustration, quiet wisdom from the past, or field guides with worn covers and soulful pages, keep an eye on this space. 🌿
selection of collectible botany and gardening books together on a shelf – Ash Tree Books
