Author visits AK Bell Library to discuss 'Plant Hunter' novel

Feb 23 2010 Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

AUTHOR Sara Sheridan will visit Perth's AK Bell Library on Tuesday, March 16, from 7.30pm to discuss her latest book.

The Secret Mandarin took eight years to write and is a story based on the real-life travels of botanist Robert Fortune. The book combines what is known about the Victorian botanist and his adventures in China with a spy tale.

Sara used the Pitlochry Explorers Garden as a research base for her book. This unique garden celebrates the fascinating lives of the group of Victorian pioneering botanists, adventurers and explorers known as the Plant Hunters, and their amazing contribution to the way our gardens look today.

Syd House, forester and author, will be in conversation with Sara during the evening, discussing the plants Fortune brought back to this country. Syd will also discuss his area of expertise, famous Plant Hunter David Douglas.

Tickets, costing £5, for the March 16 event are available from the AK Bell Library or by telephoning 01738 477019.