Set in Scotland in the 19th Century and mostly centred around the relocated botanical gardens. 

An interesting story about two women trying to ensure their security in a male-dominated culture. One woman is a courtier and budding business woman. The other is the widow of an abusive husband and a lady’s companion.

There were numerous plots in the book, many intertwined with the rare flowering of an agave plant. Some of the plots felt better-developed than others. There were some digressions that felt unnecessary and distracted from the main plots. 

The story was occasionally confusing as flashbacks were inserted into the present timeframe with no signposting. Similarly, scenes would change suddenly, again with no signposting. 

I really liked that there were numerous women in the book who were business women, or helped themselves or other women to achieve security.  A good feminist read.