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.
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.
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
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. 🌿
👉 Explore the full collection here
Happy Book Hunting!
– Ashley
Ash Tree Books
(🌿 + 🌲+ 📚)
