Throughout history, the symbolic and allegorical allure of flowers has been irresistible to artists, poets and composers who have delighted in the overt beauty and secret codes that flowers convey. Available again by popular demand, the Orlando Consort's the Rose, the Lily and the Whortleberry explores the inventiveness of European composers from the 13th - 16th centuries who used floral imagery to illustrate both earthly and heavenly love (both pure and erotic). The disc's selections effortlessly switch between enchanting representations of horticulture and sentiments that would make any gardener blush. A handsomely illustrated, 116-page book features the complete song texts, as well as full-color garden illustrations and additional notes contributed by Sir Roy Strong, President of the Garden History Society of England, Susan Hitch, an expert in medieval literature and a BBC Radio 3 presenter. As a special bonus, Christopher Bradley-Hole, one of the world's top garden designers, contributes a Medieval garden plan with a contemporary twist.