Goth plant enthusiast Chloe Hurst writes, "Gardening is a beautiful reminder to be patient and thoughtful with the process, especially when creating something so wickedly beautiful" in her bewitching Darkness in Bloom: A Gothic Guide to Dramatic and Moody Plants. Hurst, whose popular Instagram account, @theg0thgarden, features her lush, dark garden, shares what she's learned since acquiring a house and planting space in 2018. After divulging that she was always drawn to the less brightly colorful side of life, Hurst details how she grew with her garden, gathering lessons like the importance of balancing light with more muted shades.
The majority of this portable-sized book (complete with Victorian-esque embellishments) is separated into perennials, annuals, houseplants, and garden decor. For each plant, Hurst includes helpful information--ideal planting zones, sun requirements, height and spread, and whether it attracts pollinators. She also warns readers when a plant is poisonous to humans or pets, or is invasive and requires containing. Hurst's creation is a feast for the eyes--just about every other page is a beauty shot of a botanical specimen. --Nina Semczuk, writer, editor, and illustrator