How to find joy in the garden

Wellbeing expert and gardening influencer, Ellen Mary, is spreading the word about how the simple pleasures of gardening can impact our wellbeing through the launch of her first book this week. Here she talks about how the garden is something everyone can find joy in

Ellen Mary has had an interest in gardening from a young age, and her relationship with plants and the natural world has helped her to navigate difficult times in her personal life. She now advocates for the benefits of spending time in and dedicating time to nature, and the upshot is her first book, out on Thursday, called ‘The Joy of Gardening: The Everyday Zen of Mowing the Lawn’.

The book explains how her journey to discovering the joy in gardening began in the kitchen garden she explored as a little girl, and how she hopes the book can take others on a similar journey.

Ellen Mary says: ‘Jobs in the garden, just like anywhere else in the home, can often feel like things that simply have to be done.

‘But by taking a moment to feel our intrinsic link to the natural world, we can unlock a world of joy and truly appreciate the beauty around us.’

She continues: ‘Nurturing plants from seeds to blooms can provide a great feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment that can help us thrive in all aspects of our lives.

‘Regardless of experience, time, or the size of space, gardening is something everyone can explore and find joy in.

‘Immersing ourselves in nature and the beauty literally just outside our back doors will not only leave us feeling fulfilled but enrich the world around us too.’

Published by Greenfinch, ‘The Joy of Gardening: The Everyday Zen of Mowing the Lawn’ is part of the ‘Joy of’ series and explores the slow pleasures of gardening as well as providing practical advice and guidance to budding gardeners with chapters focusing on subjects such as understanding soil, how to sow seeds and how to encourage wildlife into the garden.

The illustrated book takes readers on a journey from planning their garden and sowing the very first seeds all the way through to maintaining their green space and harvesting the fruits of their labour.

Readers can follow along and use the book as a guide to care for their own garden while discovering the joy to be found in plants and the natural world.

Ellen also incorporates her advice for good wellbeing and self-care including homemade herbal drinks, how to make the most of your garden, and the importance of reflecting on your achievements.

As well as being an expert in wellbeing and, in particular, how nature and gardening can improve both physical and mental health, Ellen has been recognised as one of the Top 5 Women Influencers in Horticulture.

She has previously given talks at events such as RHS Chelsea, RHS Chatsworth, Blenheim Palace Flower Show, Vegfest UK, and The Handmade Festival as well as talks in garden centres, local garden groups and for individual companies such as Peter Beale’s Roses.

Ellen has also filmed for the Royal Horticultural Society and has been featured in The Times, BBC News and appeared on US TV.

She has studied RHS level 2 principles of horticulture, social and therapeutic horticulture, cognitive behaviour therapy and is also studying wellness coaching, so is able to provide holistic wellbeing guidance with plants and nature at the core and is a true expert on the subject.

Most recently Ellen has launched her very own online wellbeing studio to provide a resource dedicated to people, plants and positive wellbeing.

Visitors to the virtual studio will find inspirational stories on a range of topics including gardening for wellbeing, how to better appreciate nature walks and how to use herbs and plants for good health, all contributed by passionate experts in the field.