“Things in Our Garden” by Arthur Ransome Illustrations (Free)
Are you drawn to vintage book illustrations, especially those that celebrate the beauty of nature? Today, we’re thrilled to share a rare collection of vintage illustrations from Things in Our Garden, a delightful children’s book by Arthur Ransome.
These charming illustrations by Frances Craine bring to life the magic of gardens and the delightful creatures and flowers within them, including birds, frogs, bats, and even children enjoying their time in a lush, whimsical garden setting.
Best of all, these nine beautiful vintage garden illustrations are free to download! Use them as art prints, classroom decor, or educational visuals for nature studies.
The Story Behind “Things in Our Garden”
Written in the early 1900s, Things in Our Garden is one of the enchanting titles in Arthur Ransome’s Nature Books for Children. Although the series was designed to teach young readers about the natural world, it’s also treasured for its lovely illustrations and timeless storytelling.
Ransome and Craine take readers into a garden filled with birds, insects, plants, and animals—a true celebration of nature’s beauty. As Ransome beautifully captures it:
“This book is all about two children who live in a grey house with ivy on it’s walls, set in the middle of a garden with an orchard at it’s back.”
Frances Craine’s Timeless Illustrations
Frances Craine’s art brings Ransome’s vivid descriptions to life, showcasing everything from delicate flowers and busy frogs to children playing in the garden.
The illustrations reflect a love for nature and the small wonders that fill our gardens.
“It is going to tell you about some of the things that there are in the garden, things that the two children love, things that you may see, too, for yourself, and love also if you are lucky enough to live in a garden like theirs and can run about quietly and use your eyes.”
For lovers of nature and vintage art, these prints offer a touch of whimsy and timeless charm that’s hard to resist.
How to Use These Illustrations
Whether you’re an antique book lover, a nature enthusiast, or looking for engaging educational art, these free garden-themed prints are ideal for:
Gallery wall art: Create a beautiful, nature-inspired display.
Homeschooling resources: Use them to introduce children to birds, flowers, and garden wildlife.
Classroom decor: Add a unique vintage flair to your learning space.
Nature studies: Pair these prints with a study on gardens and ecosystems.
How to Download Your Free Garden Illustrations
The nine vintage color illustrations from Things in Our Garden are available for free download! Sign up, log in, and gain immediate access to these and other free printables.
They’re designed to be easy to print at home or professionally, perfect as standalone prints or as part of a larger nature-themed collection.
These free printables are a part of our exclusive subscriber library and are for personal use only. They are the exclusive property of Once Upon A Printable and may not be reproduced or used for commercial purposes without our written consent. Thank you for respecting our copyright.
Why These Illustrations Make a Perfect Addition to Your Collection
These illustrations offer a beautiful glimpse into early 20th-century children’s literature, combining timeless art with educational themes.
Whether you’re decorating, building a gallery wall with nature art, or looking for nature-themed teaching materials, these illustrations are a wonderful addition. The garden focus adds an educational perspective that’s both visually charming and fun.
Explore More Nature Art from the Series
If you love these garden illustrations, be sure to explore other illustrations from the Nature Books for Children series:
- The Child’s Book of Seasons: Celebrates the changing seasons with charming vintage art.
- Pond and Stream: A closer look at ponds and streams, complete with illustrations of water creatures and plants.