The Well-Gardened Mind by Sue Stuart-Smith
Learn about the healing effects of gardening and its ability to decrease stress and foster mental well-being.
Scribner, 2021, www.simonandschuster.com.
In celebration of spring and gardening season, the Sustainability Book Club met on April 4 to discuss The Well-Gardened Mind: The Restorative Power of Nature, written by Sue Stuart-Smith, who is a prominent UK psychotherapist and avid gardener.
In the book, Stuart-Smith explores the power of interacting with nature and how gardening can help people feel more energized and less stressed and also help heal those struggling with depression, trauma and addiction. She uses moving case studies to show how gardening can change people’s lives for the better. Among them: soldiers tending gardens during wartime, a prison gardening program that reduces recidivism, a community coming together to create an edible townscape, and more.
During the book club meeting, members talked about how the book inspired an appreciation for gardens of all kinds—from flowers to vegetables to trees—and the incredible value of putting your hands in the dirt. One member pointed out Bread Riot’s mission and how farmers, just like gardeners, benefit from their strong connection to the earth. The group discussed ways that Bread Riot could facilitate gardening in the community, such as providing funding or assistance to small flower farms, teaching local residents how to plant and use vegetables, and supporting school and community garden programs.
If you’d like to read about how gardening can improve everyone’s mental health, borrow or purchase a copy of The Well-Gardened Mind today!
The Sustainability Book Club
Join a small group of avid readers who meet monthly to engage in lively discussions focused on books about sustainability. The club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month on Zoom. Contact us to join!
May 2: Crow and Weasel by Barry Lopez
