The Generosity of Plants - by Rosemary Gladstar (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Beloved teacher and leader in the herbal healing world, Rosemary Gladstar has curated this collection of her favorite teachings and reflections from a wide range of plant lovers and herbal teachers. Many of the quotes are original to this collection, excerpted from Gladstar's private correspondence and conversations. Her narrative voice runs through the book, introducing each theme, and the text is accompanied by stunning photographs and artwork celebrating the beauty and wonder of plants"--

Book Synopsis

Renowned herbalist Rosemary Gladstar presents a beautiful keepsake collection of teachings, reflections, and insights on the plant world and herbal healing, featuring diverse voices from the community of herbal teachers and practitioners.

A beloved teacher and leader in the herbal healing world for more than 50 years, Rosemary Gladstar has curated this collection to explore key themes in herbalism, including:

*The sacred teachings of the plants
*The importance of preserving knowledge of the plants' healing properties and the work of herbal healers
*The practices of gardening and gathering herbs in the wild
*The power and passion of the herbal community
*The rich value of living with gratitude and reverence for the Earth, and a deep connection to the plant world.

Many of the quotes are original to this collection, excerpted from Gladstar's private correspondence and conversations. Her narrative voice introduces each theme, and the text is accompanied by stunning photographs and artwork celebrating the beauty and wonder of plants.

Review Quotes

"A collection of inspirational poetry, quotes, plant profiles, and knowledge that gardeners and writers of all experience levels can enjoy... A creative collection of art. Its visually stunning pages, intricate designs, magical font styles, and beautiful plant photography offers an almost scrapbook-like effect."--Washington Gardener

"Rosemary once again shows up for all of us but in such a timely and inspirational form. This gem of a book can be picked up at any moment throughout the day and bring that deep connection to nature that is the medicine of this moment."--Kat Maier, Sacred Plant Traditions, author of Energetic Herbalism: A Guide to Sacred Plant Traditions

"Rosemary Gladstar has created a portal into the consciousness of plants. The Generosity of Plants reveals the profound intelligence and healing capacity of botanical beings, transforming our understanding of herbalism into a deep, reciprocal dialogue with Nature's wisdom. With decades of intimate communion with the plant world, Gladstar illuminates the sacred interconnectedness that pulses beneath every leaf and root. This is an essential text for those seeking healing that transcends the physical--a healing rooted in respect, wonder, and a radical understanding of Nature's sentience."

--Lia Chavez Founder, Hildegaard Haute Botanical

"This is a book to dip into again and again, to sip and savor, to browse and be delighted by. I have had it on my breakfast table for a week now, and I open a page at random each morning and take a thought for the day. This week the book has given me a day thinking of compassion, a day thinking of beauty and a day thinking of awe and wonder. This is big medicine in a small book. Rosemary has drawn together inspirational and profound comments from herb lovers around the world, extolling the magic of plants and encouraging us all to believe in their healing powers and to pursue the path of the herbalist."--Chanchal Cabrera, MSc, FNIMH, RH(AHG), author of Holistic Cancer Care

"This book is a beautiful celebration of the plant world and the herbalists who love it--thoughtful, uplifting, and brimming with wisdom. As I flipped through the pages, I couldn't stop sending quotes to friends!"--Rosalee de la Forêt, herbal teacher and author of Alchemy of Herbs and coauthor of Wild Remedies

"Rosemary Gladstar is such a special person and a gift to Mother Earth. She has an intuitive knowledge of plants and their properties, and is someone I turn to for advice.
She has created a magnificent book sharing the wisdom of plants that will bring joy to the reader and to the world."--Brant Secunda, shaman, healer and traditional ceremonial leader

"This charming collection offers plant lovers a place to go for practical advice, herbal remedies, and meditation, focusing on being more present and connected to the natural world. Herbs and chapters are supported by quotes from well-known herbalists, writers, poets, scientists, Indigenous people, and others. For example, Georgia O'Keeffe, Barack Obama, Kiva Rose Hardin, and Gertrude Jekyll are just a few of the names. An eminent herbalist with 50 years of experience, Gladstar (Herbs for Children's Health) provides thought-provoking questions that will compel readers to ruminate about herbs and their usefulness. Her book's photographs are beautiful enough to stand on their own...A lovely little book for plant and quotation lovers that's designed for meditative enjoyment."--Library Journal

"What we carry and what we share has power and potency. Just open to a page and feel the glimmer of inspiration."--Margi Flint, author of The Practicing Herbalist

"This book feels like a warm hug from Rosemary and our herbal ancestors and plantcestors, reminding me of the beauty of plants, the power of community, and my own small but mighty place in this circle, how we are raindrops in a vast ocean-- each action, however tiny, matters." --Jiling Lin, L.Ac., Acupuncturist, Herbalist, Artist, and host of Herbal Radio's "Tea Talks with Jiling"

"Rosemary herself embodies Generosity. She is one of the most devoted and supportive plant loving visionaries, teachers, and authors I know. May this book be found in school libraries, medical care waiting rooms, botanical garden shops and kitchen tables everywhere. It is full of beauty, inspiration and timeless wisdom."--Deb Soule, founder of Avena Botanicals and author of Healing Herbs for Women, How to Move Like a Gardener, and The Healing Garden

"This is an exquisite collection of quotes by herbalists and others that reminds us we are intricately woven together within Nature. The Generosity of Plants is a beautiful book that reveals the truth of our kinship and brings solace to my soul in these challenging times."--Robin Rose Bennett, author of Healing Magic, The Gift of Healing Herbs, A Green Witch's Pocket Book of Wisdom, and A Young Green Witch's Guide to Plant Magic

About the Author

Rosemary Gladstar has been practicing, living, learning, teaching, and writing about herbs for over 50 years. Considered a star figure in the modern herbal movement and often referred to as the "godmother of American herbalism", Rosemary is the author of twelve books including Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: A Beginners Guide, Herbs for Children's Health, Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health, Herbal Healing for Women, and Herbal Healing for Men. She is the co-founder and former director of both The International Herb Symposium and The New England Women's Herbal Conference, the Founding President of United Plant Savers, and the co-founder and original formulator of Traditional Medicinal Tea Company.

She is also the author and teacher of the popular home study course, The Science and Art of Herbalism, which continues to inspire and teach many thousands of students around the world. In 2018 Rosemary was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for her life's work from the National University of Naturopathic Medicine. She recently moved from her home at Sage Mountain an herbal retreat center and botanical sanctuary where she lived for 30 years to a smaller haven where she plans to write more, tend to her new gardens, and spend more time with the plants.