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The Well Gardened Mind

Rediscovering Nature in the Modern World
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( 2,260 ratings, 357 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Well Gardened Mind by Sue Stuart-Smith explores the therapeutic benefits of gardening, combining neuroscience, psychoanalysis and personal anecdotes. The book delves into how tending to gardens can foster mental well-being and emotional resilience, illustrating the profound connection between nature and the human psyche.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy exploring the therapeutic effects of gardening on mental health. It blends psychology, neuroscience, and personal stories to reveal how tending to a garden can cultivate well-being and resilience. Perfect for those who find solace in nature and are curious about the profound impact of gardening on the mind.

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The Well Gardened Mind

‘The wisest book I’ve 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

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Well Gardened Mind by Sue Stuart-Smith is an enriching exploration of the profound connections between gardening and mental well-being. This compelling narrative delves into how tending to plants and engaging with the natural world can significantly enhance our mental health and overall quality of life. Through a powerful blend of contemporary neuroscience, psychoanalysis, and storytelling, this book reveals the therapeutic benefits of gardening that many have cherished for years.

The story is interwoven with illuminating case studies and personal anecdotes, demonstrating how individuals grappling with stress, depression, trauma, and addiction have found solace and transformation in the garden. Stuart-Smith details the scientific explanations behind these restorative experiences, offering readers a deeper understanding of the calming and healing effects of nature.

The Well Gardened Mind is much more than a gardening manual; it is a profound exploration of the human psyche and its intrinsic connection to the natural world. With its blend of insightful science, personal reflection, and practical advice, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to cultivate not only their garden but also their mind.

Lauded by critics and readers alike, this book has received high praise, including a recommendation from Stephen Fry, who called it "the wisest book [he]’s read for many years." Recognised as a Sunday Times Bestseller and included in the Times and Sunday Times Best Books of 2020 list, it is clear that this work resonates deeply with its audience.

Stuart-Smith’s profound insights are underpinned by her unique perspective as both a psychiatrist and a passionate gardener. She articulates how the rhythms of the garden mirror the mind’s own natural processes, fostering growth, healing, and resilience. As our modern world increasingly isolates us from nature, The Well Gardened Mind offers a timely reminder of the essential bonds that can heal our minds and souls through the simple yet profound act of gardening.

Translated into fifteen languages, this inspiring book is a testament to the universal appeal and necessity of reconnecting with nature. Whether you are an experienced gardener or someone seeking new ways to improve your mental health, The Well Gardened Mind provides valuable insights and practical guidance to help you cultivate a healthier, more balanced life.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Well Gardened Mind by Sue Stuart-Smith is praised for its originality and deep insight into the therapeutic benefits of gardening. Critics highlight its combination of careful research and elegant writing, noting its positive impact on mental health. The book is described as life-affirming, uplifting, and filled with valuable observations and historical context. It is highly recommended for its compelling account of the connection between nature and wellbeing.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780008100735

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 April 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: William Collins

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 23.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 280g

Pages: 352

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About the Author

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.

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