Mr Guilfoyle’s Shakespearian Botany

The great William Guilfoyle, credited as the architect of Melbourne’s Royal Botanic gardens, was an eminent landscape designer, botanist and writer. Here are his collected writings on the dozens of plants, fruits and flowers William Shakespeare referred to in his plays and poems. Each entry is accompanied by Basilius Besler’s groundbreaking illustrations and delicate watercolours by Jacques le Morgues.

‘What’s in a name? That which we call a Rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.’
William Shakespeare

An extraordinary mix of Shakespearian references, Guilfoyle’s botanical lore, and lush botanical illustrations

Shakespearian Botany is a feast for those who love the bard, gardens and art.