“The wisest book I’ve read for many years. Much more than a gardening book, much more than a guide to better mental health. Hugely recommended.” — Stephen Fry
In a powerful combination of contemporary neuroscience, psychoanalysis and brilliant storytelling, The Well Gardened Mind investigates the magic that many gardeners have known for years – working with nature can radically transform our health, wellbeing and confidence.
Sue Stuart-Smith tells brilliant, illuminating stories of people struggling with stress, depression, trauma and addiction, from asylum seekers to veterans, inner-city young people to the retired. This is a glorious book of science, insight and anecdote that shows how our understanding of nature and its restorative powers is only just beginning to flower.
The Well Gardened Mind has been published in 17 countries including China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, UK, Ukraine, US.
“An important and timely book… Beautifully written, drawing on a lifetime’s experience as both a clinician and a gardener, and I urge everyone to read it.”
— Monty Don
“Fascinating in its content, lyrical, moving and elegantly written… There’s no denying the extraordinary and often profound benefits to physical and mental wellbeing, and the moments of pure joy we gardeners experience.”
— Rachel de Thame
“Must be the most original gardening book ever.”
— John Carey, The Sunday Times
“Combines observation, horticulture, literature and history… it is a book that builds, chapter by chapter… As a reference and an inspiration… There is much here to feed the soul.”
— Ann Treneman, The Times
“Riveting, inspiring and often very moving… A lively, compassionate exhortation for us all to get our hands back in the soil.”
— Isabella Tree
“A compelling and deeply moving account of how profoundly our wellbeing can be affected through contact with gardening and the natural world. This is a timely call of return. Read it.”
— Edmund de Waal
“This is a book so wise and comfortable that it merits a place alongside Christopher Lloyd’s The Well-Tempered Garden by the side of every bed… Her deep understanding of the human psyche makes this a perfect source text as well as an engrossing read.”
— Marian Boswall, Gardens Illustrated