The Joy of Gardening: The Everyday Zen of Mowing the Lawn

A wonderfully uplifting holistic book with many practical tips, but more importantly a better understanding of our own place in the world, our outdoor space, understanding our limitations, our failures and rewarding ourselves at every stage. Written from the inception of an outdoor space to harvesting and rewarding yourself, the analogy to life has been very carefully thought through. This is a pocket-sized book, ideal for taking into the garden with you, and written in a very positive way. Wellbeing and mindfulness tips are scattered throughout but have been artfully added at specific points throughout your gardening journey that make them seem easier to understand and implement. I read the book from start to finish in one go and realised that all the stresses of the day had disappeared, but the gardener can easily dip in and out, especially when they need to stop in the moment and require a wellbeing exercise, or simply an affirmation that it is good to be outside. The wonderful illustrations also make the book feel very readable.

I discovered myself while reading the book and reawakened thoughts and mindful actions. This is a whizz of a book!

We're all becoming much more aware of the benefits of green spaces, and gardening offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with and observe the world in which we live, while also improving our own wellbeing. In The Joy of Gardening Ellen Mary combines practical hints and tips for nurturing and caring not just for our gardens and their plants, but also for ourselves. Presented in a gentle, accessible style this book is a delightful introduction for those wanting to learn not only how to garden, but also how to reap the benefits that plants and gardens can have on our own health and wellbeing.

As a scientist and home gardener, I am passionate about promoting the evidence-based health benefits of gardening. Ellen Mary brilliantly uses gardening as a metaphor for human health. Ellen provides many practical growing tips for a healthy you, wildlife and the planet.