Why did Marcel Proust have bonsai beside his bed? What was Jane Austen doing, coveting an apricot? How was Friedrich Nietzsche inspired by his ‘thought tree’? In Philosophy in the Garden, Damon Young explores one of literature’s most intimate relationships: that between authors and their gardens.

For some, the garden provided a retreat; for others, solitude’s quiet counsel. For all, it played a philosophical role, giving their ideas a new life. In this special festival session, in a room with a view in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Damon Young reveals the profound thoughts discovered in parks, backyards and pot-plants and discusses the importance of botanic gardens. Introduced by Christchurch Botanic Gardens curator, John Clemens.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.