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The Passion in Plants (Omnibus)

Naturalist Bob Gilbert and his friend Brother Samuel traces the associations, centuries old, of British wild plants with the Easter Story.

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 ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 4 in April 2020.

1 hour, 10 minutes

Last on

Sun 20 Apr 2025 02:30

Broadcasts

  • Sun 12 Apr 2020 09:00
  • Sun 12 Apr 2020 20:00
  • Sat 19 Apr 2025 07:30
  • Sat 19 Apr 2025 12:30
  • Sat 19 Apr 2025 18:30
  • Sun 20 Apr 2025 02:30