The Passion in Plants (Omnibus)

Over centuries people have used wildflowers to share stories, including those found in The Bible.

Just as stained glass windows reminded ordinary people of its characters and events, so did the hedgerow plants encountered every day.

In this way many trees and flowers came to play a part in telling the Easter story.

Writer and naturalist Bob Gilbert considers the key moments of Christ's Passion and the plants that, in folklore, came to reflect them.

With his friend Brother Samuel, a Franciscan friar, Bob searches wild locations, ranging from rural woodlands and meadows, to the pavements of Poplar in the East End of London. They explore plants’ traditions, how they came about, and their meanings.

With readings from writers such as AE Housman, Tennyson and the author of Dream of the Rood.

Interspersed with songs and music.

Omnibus of five parts.

Read by Bettrys Jones and Ell Potter.

Producer: Julian May

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2020.