Why Gardens Matter

By Joanna Geyer-Kordesch

So many gardening books tell you what to plant and where and when. But how often do they tell you to just sit and enjoy your garden? And when you do, you can find yourself thinking of things in a different way.

With an exceptional academic career in natural history and the history of medicine, Professor Joanna Geyer-Kordesch found ‘reflection, consolation and healing’ in the soothing power of gardens after suffering from a major stroke. Sharing profound reflections on how gardens of all forms have helped her regenerate, Why Gardens Matter is as enlightening as it is inspirational. With contributions from Donald Smith, this is a powerful plea for us to reflect on our gardens and their history, and to acknowledge the life-affirming value of our green spaces.