The Well Gardened Mind: Rediscovering Nature in the Modern World

(Paperback)

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The wisest book Ive read for many years Much more than a gardening book, much more than a guide to mental health Hugely recommended Stephen Fry

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

A Times and Sunday Times Best Book of 2020
How can gardening relieve stress and help us look after our mental health What lies behind the restorative power of the natural world

In a powerful combination of contemporary neuroscience, psychoanalysis and brilliant storytelling,The Well Gardened Mindinvestigates the magic that many gardeners have known for years working with nature can radically transform our health, wellbeing and confidence.

With illuminating stories of how people struggling with stress, depression, trauma and addiction can change their lives, this inspiring and wise book of science, insight and anecdote now translated into fifteen languages shows how our understanding of nature and its restorative powers is only just beginning to flower.

Reviews

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

Must be the most original gardening book ever
SUNDAY TIMES

Fascinating Extends the awareness backed up by compendious and elegant research of how mentally enriching it is to swap screen for green [She] renders a very special service with this book
OBSERVER

Stuart-Smiths beautifully written book is filled with insights into the joys but also the therapeutic benefits that tending plants can offer This is a life-affirming study of the pleasures of growing things
GUARDIAN

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
THE TIMES

An impressive achievement this is an optimistic book
SPECTATOR

A truly uplifting book on the power of gardening and how it can change peoples lives. Its a prevailing reminder that getting our hands in the soil and helping to grow plants and flowers makes all the difference to our minds and wellbeing
STYLIST

A fascinating overlap between the still stumbling science of psychiatry and the ancient art of gardening
FINANCIAL TIMES

The wisest book Ive read for many years Much more than a gardening book, much more than a guide to better mental health, it is a wholly convincing story of how troubled minds might find a way of reconnecting to themselves and rebuilding confidence and hope by way of nature Ive learned so much in the way of the history of psychiatry and psychology as well as practical tips for both mind and garden Hugely recommended
STEPHEN FRY

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

An important and timely book Beautifully written I urge everyone to read it
MONTY DON

Author Bio

Sue Stuart-Smith is a psychiatrist and psychotherapist who took her degree in English literature at Cambridge before qualifying as a doctor and a psychiatrist. She taught at The Tavistock Clinic in London and worked for the National Health Service in Hertfordshire. She is married to Tom Stuart-Smith, the famous garden designer, and together they have created the wonderful Barn Garden in Hertfordshire. She is the author of The Well-Gardened Mind.