Ann Shelton's book delves into the rich history of plant-centric belief systems and their suppression. Part artist's scrapbook, part photobook, part quotography and part exhibition catalogue, it explores the medicinal, magical and spiritual uses of plant materials, once deeply intertwined with the lives of European forest peoples, nomadic peoples and ancient peoples.

It reassembles fragments of historical knowledge alongside the first nineteen works from her series i am an old phenomenon, begun in 2022 and ongoing. The plant sculptures shown are constructed by the artist, who has worked with plants since childhood and has long been interested in the history of floral art and its expansive gendered resonances. Overflowing with quotations, it traces the loss of plant knowledge held by wise women, witches and wortcunners.