The Joy of Gardening

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!(Mark Lane, BBC Gardener’s World presenter and landscape designer)

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.(Sally Petitt, Head of Horticulture, Cambridge University Botanic Garden)

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.(Professor Alistair Griffiths, Director of Science & Collections, Royal Horticultural Society)

Ellen Mary speaks regularly about the ways in which gardening and the natural world can benefit our wellbeing. She has appeared on WCNC USA, BBC News, Mustard TV, BBC Countryfile Diaries, and featured in The Times, and filmed with the Royal Horticultural Society.

Ellen lives and breathes gardening, including hosting a horticultural radio show on Future Radio and hosting The Plant Based Podcast. She is an ambassador for Trees for the Future, patron of Filby Gardening Club and founder of No Fear Gardening and runs community projects at Grapes Hill Community Garden.

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