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Creating Sanctuary: Sacred Garden Spaces, Plant-Based Medicine, and Daily Practices to Achieve Happiness and Well-Being
“In this beautiful, inspiring, and practical book we are invited to look deeply at the landscape around us and create sacred respites from our busy worlds.” —Rosemary Gladstar, herbalist and author
We all need a personal sanctuary. A place where we can be in harmony with the natural world and nurture our bodies, minds, and souls. And this sanctuary doesn’t have to be a far-away destination—it can be in your own backyard. In C reating Sanctuary , natural living expert Jessi Bloom taps into multiple sources of traditional plant wisdom to help you find a deeper connection to the outdoor space you already have—no matter the size. You will learn how to design a healing space, how to harness the power of 50 sacred plants, and how to create recipes and rituals that soothe and calm. Hands-on, inspiring, and packed with gorgeous photography, Creating Sanctuary will help you find new ways to revitalize your life.
We all need a personal sanctuary. A place where we can be in harmony with the natural world and nurture our bodies, minds, and souls. And this sanctuary doesn’t have to be a far-away destination—it can be in your own backyard. In C reating Sanctuary , natural living expert Jessi Bloom taps into multiple sources of traditional plant wisdom to help you find a deeper connection to the outdoor space you already have—no matter the size. You will learn how to design a healing space, how to harness the power of 50 sacred plants, and how to create recipes and rituals that soothe and calm. Hands-on, inspiring, and packed with gorgeous photography, Creating Sanctuary will help you find new ways to revitalize your life.
236 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2018
123 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
June 30, 2018
“Do you remember the first plant you had a relationship with?”
To be honest, I don’t.
Jessi Bloom has a deep respect for the earth and a different interpretation of the word ‘sanctuary’ than I was expecting. I thought a garden sanctuary was a calm and relaxing backyard escape. To Bloom, however, it is a sanctified, sacred space. So this book and me were not the best fit.
Having said that, there is lots to like about the book. I liked the exploration of the different garden elements such as bells and garden art ( maybe skip the altar though!) , details of medicinal plants , recipes for drinks and cosmetics. And the colourful photos are a delight for the eyes.
Thanks to NetGalley and Timber Press for the digital review copy.
To be honest, I don’t.
Jessi Bloom has a deep respect for the earth and a different interpretation of the word ‘sanctuary’ than I was expecting. I thought a garden sanctuary was a calm and relaxing backyard escape. To Bloom, however, it is a sanctified, sacred space. So this book and me were not the best fit.
Having said that, there is lots to like about the book. I liked the exploration of the different garden elements such as bells and garden art ( maybe skip the altar though!) , details of medicinal plants , recipes for drinks and cosmetics. And the colourful photos are a delight for the eyes.
Thanks to NetGalley and Timber Press for the digital review copy.
November 24, 2018
We all need sanctuary these days, don't we?
This book is about making a sacred space in a garden and using plants to influence your health and well-being.
It's a beautiful book, with lovely pictures, and lots of information that was new-to-me.
This book is about making a sacred space in a garden and using plants to influence your health and well-being.
It's a beautiful book, with lovely pictures, and lots of information that was new-to-me.
June 30, 2018
This book was not what I expected, but it's a fabulous resource if you're looking for ideas to create sacred spaces in your garden and home. It is definitely geared more towards folks who follow earth-based religions (which I do not) but it can be helpful for anybody interested in creating beautiful, calming outdoor spaces and in learning about plant uses. I found myself jotting down a lot of ideas to help make our yard more "magical" (in the sense of beautiful and meaningful) for my kids, too.
The book is filled with gorgeous photos of sacred spaces around the world, which I really enjoyed. I got many ideas for things to do in my own gardens from the photos of beautiful and interesting gardens and garden elements.
Sections of the book include:
Creating Sacred Space: This section has chapters on envisioning your sanctuary, common elements of sacred spaces, and 5 steps to creating your sacred garden. It includes many ideas I would like to add to our gardens, like common elements of sacred spaces (some sort of gate or entryway, appealing to all the senses, using bells and chimes, adding garden art and nature mandalas, etc.).
Botanical Alchemy: This section contains 50 sacred plants for your sanctuary garden, plant spirit medicine, and growing your own apothecary. It is fantastic for plant lovers, gardeners, foragers, or people who'd like to learn more about using plants. I was happy to see that many of the plants she recommends are wild plants that we forage and that pop up in our yard on their own. So many people don't realize the benefits of "weeds" like plantain and nettles. I was happy to see elderberries recommended (which of course they would be, since they are medicinal, beautiful and have been steeped in mythology for eons, and I've written an entire book about how wonderful elderberries are and how to find, grow and use them). The recommended plants are all ones that have a long history of uses as food and medicine, are easy to grow (often growing as weeds all around us) and generally also provide beauty. Each plant has a photo and detailed description of its uses as food, medicine and in various spiritual beliefs. It goes on to another section on "the wisdom of weeds" that goes into much more detail about a whole host of beneficial weeds and how to use them, such as burdock, chickweed, lambsquarters, dandelion and purslane. From there, it goes on to talking about how to use plants for emotional healing and mental well-being, like what plants are said to be helpful for anxiety, sleeplessness, trauma and anger, and how to use them. A two page chart tells what plants to use for what ailments, and how to use them (for instance, use burdock as a dried root in tinctures or decoctions, or in capsule form). This section gives basic information on how to make herbal medicines, with recipes. It also talks about how to grow your own healing garden, how to grow mushrooms, how to preserve your herbs and plants, and much, much more.
Nurturing Self: Healthy Body, Mind and Soul: This section contains your body as sanctuary (caring for your personal ecosystem), mind and soul (finding clarity and comfort), and daily sanctuary (practices and rituals). There are recipes for things like protein bombs, garden smoothies and fruit and herb infused waters. Also included are herbs for digestion, mindful movement, self care rituals and recipes, info on herbs to use for hair rinses and facial toners, ways to meditate and ground yourself using nature in many ways, eco art and play ideas, ceremonies and rites of passage, 14 daily activities to incorporate sanctuary into your life, and more.
Not all of the book applied to me, but I was happy to skip over those sections and focus on the many helpful and inspirational parts that did. There was so much that I found helpful. I also loved how filled it was with gorgeous photos.
This book would be a good fit for people who:
Are interested in learning how to use plants for medicinal and spiritual purposes
Are looking for ways to make their gardens into beautiful, healing spaces
Follow earth-based religions and are looking for ways to incorporate that into their surroundings
Want to learn more about beneficial garden plants
Enjoy rituals and recipes for self care
Want to create sacred elements like labyrinths, cairns, altars and medicine wheels in their gardens
Consider themselves more new age or "crunchy"
I received a temporary ARC of this book to read for the purpose of review. I can enthusiastically recommend it if you are interested in this subject. It is due to be released in November of 2018.
The book is filled with gorgeous photos of sacred spaces around the world, which I really enjoyed. I got many ideas for things to do in my own gardens from the photos of beautiful and interesting gardens and garden elements.
Sections of the book include:
Creating Sacred Space: This section has chapters on envisioning your sanctuary, common elements of sacred spaces, and 5 steps to creating your sacred garden. It includes many ideas I would like to add to our gardens, like common elements of sacred spaces (some sort of gate or entryway, appealing to all the senses, using bells and chimes, adding garden art and nature mandalas, etc.).
Botanical Alchemy: This section contains 50 sacred plants for your sanctuary garden, plant spirit medicine, and growing your own apothecary. It is fantastic for plant lovers, gardeners, foragers, or people who'd like to learn more about using plants. I was happy to see that many of the plants she recommends are wild plants that we forage and that pop up in our yard on their own. So many people don't realize the benefits of "weeds" like plantain and nettles. I was happy to see elderberries recommended (which of course they would be, since they are medicinal, beautiful and have been steeped in mythology for eons, and I've written an entire book about how wonderful elderberries are and how to find, grow and use them). The recommended plants are all ones that have a long history of uses as food and medicine, are easy to grow (often growing as weeds all around us) and generally also provide beauty. Each plant has a photo and detailed description of its uses as food, medicine and in various spiritual beliefs. It goes on to another section on "the wisdom of weeds" that goes into much more detail about a whole host of beneficial weeds and how to use them, such as burdock, chickweed, lambsquarters, dandelion and purslane. From there, it goes on to talking about how to use plants for emotional healing and mental well-being, like what plants are said to be helpful for anxiety, sleeplessness, trauma and anger, and how to use them. A two page chart tells what plants to use for what ailments, and how to use them (for instance, use burdock as a dried root in tinctures or decoctions, or in capsule form). This section gives basic information on how to make herbal medicines, with recipes. It also talks about how to grow your own healing garden, how to grow mushrooms, how to preserve your herbs and plants, and much, much more.
Nurturing Self: Healthy Body, Mind and Soul: This section contains your body as sanctuary (caring for your personal ecosystem), mind and soul (finding clarity and comfort), and daily sanctuary (practices and rituals). There are recipes for things like protein bombs, garden smoothies and fruit and herb infused waters. Also included are herbs for digestion, mindful movement, self care rituals and recipes, info on herbs to use for hair rinses and facial toners, ways to meditate and ground yourself using nature in many ways, eco art and play ideas, ceremonies and rites of passage, 14 daily activities to incorporate sanctuary into your life, and more.
Not all of the book applied to me, but I was happy to skip over those sections and focus on the many helpful and inspirational parts that did. There was so much that I found helpful. I also loved how filled it was with gorgeous photos.
This book would be a good fit for people who:
Are interested in learning how to use plants for medicinal and spiritual purposes
Are looking for ways to make their gardens into beautiful, healing spaces
Follow earth-based religions and are looking for ways to incorporate that into their surroundings
Want to learn more about beneficial garden plants
Enjoy rituals and recipes for self care
Want to create sacred elements like labyrinths, cairns, altars and medicine wheels in their gardens
Consider themselves more new age or "crunchy"
I received a temporary ARC of this book to read for the purpose of review. I can enthusiastically recommend it if you are interested in this subject. It is due to be released in November of 2018.
May 15, 2019
I devoured this book sitting in my garden on my bright yellow bench soaking up the melodies of spring bird migration. So much of what my husband and I are trying to do on our 9 acre homestead is create sanctuary. This seemed like a great book to add to our resources, especially since so much of it is geared towards a Pagan approach to things.
The first third of the book is about designing your sacred garden space. The author throws in a bit about permaculture and tons of inspiring images. This section was sadly the most lacking. I wanted just a bit more detail on the design part. However, for most readers this will be a boon. It gives more space for you to play and experiment with your space. Little time is given to how urban dwellers with balcony space or no outdoor space could create a sacred garden.
Plant lists include history and growing conditions along with different ways you can use them medicinally or spiritually. They are not long and really only include the most basic plants. The advance herbalist or garden will not spot anything new to them. Beginners will find enough information to get started without feeling overwhelmed.
The final part of the book is all about how to use the plants and space that you create. It includes ways to use movement, meditation, ritual, medicine, and beauty products. It's a nice grouping of things to do that will leave you feeling inspired and capable.
I enjoyed this book because it's beautiful and easy to read. It didn't really have anything "new" to me. I'd recommend this book to beginners or those looking to see their garden in a new sacred way. Advanced gardeners should check this one out from the library, prolly not purchase.
The first third of the book is about designing your sacred garden space. The author throws in a bit about permaculture and tons of inspiring images. This section was sadly the most lacking. I wanted just a bit more detail on the design part. However, for most readers this will be a boon. It gives more space for you to play and experiment with your space. Little time is given to how urban dwellers with balcony space or no outdoor space could create a sacred garden.
Plant lists include history and growing conditions along with different ways you can use them medicinally or spiritually. They are not long and really only include the most basic plants. The advance herbalist or garden will not spot anything new to them. Beginners will find enough information to get started without feeling overwhelmed.
The final part of the book is all about how to use the plants and space that you create. It includes ways to use movement, meditation, ritual, medicine, and beauty products. It's a nice grouping of things to do that will leave you feeling inspired and capable.
I enjoyed this book because it's beautiful and easy to read. It didn't really have anything "new" to me. I'd recommend this book to beginners or those looking to see their garden in a new sacred way. Advanced gardeners should check this one out from the library, prolly not purchase.
September 21, 2018
I can see this book being a great coffee table book and of course use it as a reference book as well. Some people my find it a bit too new agey for them but I think it helps someone open to plant medicine to better plan their landscapes, sanctuaries and gardens. There are recipes and instructions for all kinds of homeopathic remedies, teas, infused oils etc.
The photography and instructional drawings were also very pleasing and inspirational.
The photography and instructional drawings were also very pleasing and inspirational.
July 17, 2019
🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳
CREATING SANCTUARY made me calmer with each page I read. It is beautiful, wise and inspirational. Author Jessi Bloom, award-winning ecological landscape designer, shares her own compelling story of creating sanctuary after illness, burnout and divorce, so she KNOWS the desperate need our culture has for healing places, where we can take shelter in the natural world and mend the mind, body and spirit.
This lovely guide has tips for designing healing spaces, plant profiles for 50 sacred plants, recipes for using plants as medicine, and simple ideas for daily rituals and self-care practices. Projects include herbal-based creams, an herbal dream pillow and more. Creating Sanctuary is a must-read for gardeners, nature lovers and anyone seeking a healing place. 5/5
Pub Date 27 Nov 2018
Grateful to Timber Press and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.
#CreatingSanctuary #NetGalley
CREATING SANCTUARY made me calmer with each page I read. It is beautiful, wise and inspirational. Author Jessi Bloom, award-winning ecological landscape designer, shares her own compelling story of creating sanctuary after illness, burnout and divorce, so she KNOWS the desperate need our culture has for healing places, where we can take shelter in the natural world and mend the mind, body and spirit.
This lovely guide has tips for designing healing spaces, plant profiles for 50 sacred plants, recipes for using plants as medicine, and simple ideas for daily rituals and self-care practices. Projects include herbal-based creams, an herbal dream pillow and more. Creating Sanctuary is a must-read for gardeners, nature lovers and anyone seeking a healing place. 5/5
Pub Date 27 Nov 2018
Grateful to Timber Press and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.
#CreatingSanctuary #NetGalley
November 27, 2018
GNab I grow many of my own herbs and have several books I refer to for preserving and producing teas, but this title by Jessi Bloom is one I must add to my research shelf. She has a more extensive selection of instruction for various herbal remedies and teas and her instructions are clear and details easy to follow. This is an author I will follow.
I received a free electronic copy of this book from Netgalley, Jessi Bloom and Timber Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.
Pub Nov 27, 2018
I received a free electronic copy of this book from Netgalley, Jessi Bloom and Timber Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.
Pub Nov 27, 2018
November 4, 2018
Creating Sanctuary is simply tremendous. I was attracted to the book because I am planning to work on my backyard next year and needed some inspiration on what I need to consider to create a little heaven on Earth. To my surprise, this book gave me so much more than what I expected. Each section is filled with insights on the benefits of having a sanctuary and which plants and trees to look for to produce peace and balance. I particularly appreciated all the beneficial information regarding each plant and tree. This is a perfect book to offer as a gift to anyone who is seeking balance in his or her life in a natural way. Many recipes are available, and the photographs are beautiful. I can’t wait to start on my sanctuary and apply the wisdom I receive from this remarkable book.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press for my advance reader’s copy. Creating Sanctuary: Sacred Garden Spaces, Plant-Based Medicine, and Daily Practices to Achieve Happiness and Well-being by Jessi Bloom will be available at your favourite bookstore on November 13, 2018.
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April 27, 2020
What a delightful book to read during this time of angst. I admire anyone who can bring a sacred oasis to this level. I enjoyed the author’s dedication to all her teachers, two-legged, four-legged, winged, and rooted. Within all of us is a still sanctuary—we just need to find what brings on our unique peace—
*Oh boy, is this book ever overdue for return*
*Oh boy, is this book ever overdue for return*
December 17, 2018
A simple and yet practical approach to a more balanced and natural way of living.
September 1, 2020
3.5. I believe the Author achieved her goal in this book. Nice read.
December 24, 2018
An absolutely gorgeous book! Beautiful photography of inspirational garden sanctuaries from around the world, and tips on how to create your own sanctuary specific to your wants and needs. In addition to garden plans and information, there are recipes for health and beauty concoctions to make from the fruits of your efforts, tips on how to fully enjoy your sanctuary through rituals and ceremonies, and more. Such a lovely book!
August 10, 2021
I loved all of the helpful information about plants and gardening. However, I felt like some of it was filler and some of it was cultural appropriation. Also felt like there were too many photos of the author, although she seems nice... Overall it's a good read and a very pretty book. Good recipes. Nice overview with suggested reading in the back to get more in depth into specific topics. It touched on witchcraft obliquely. Personally I wish she'd leaned into it more but I guess that would have alienated some readers.
August 2, 2019
2.5 stars, rounded up for the authors endless positivity that nearing the end was beginning to get on my nerves.
I’m someone who believes in science, (what I can see, touch and feel) so this book did not meld well with my own view of the world.
Was slightly too woo-woo-ask-objects-for-permission-in-made-up-ceremonies for my particular tastes.
Pretty to look at but lacking considerable substance.
Overall rating: meh.
I’m someone who believes in science, (what I can see, touch and feel) so this book did not meld well with my own view of the world.
Was slightly too woo-woo-ask-objects-for-permission-in-made-up-ceremonies for my particular tastes.
Pretty to look at but lacking considerable substance.
Overall rating: meh.
July 4, 2020
I thought this would talk more on the processes, ideas, and building of personal spaces with nature. The first third or so of the book did and I liked it, even if it were geared towards homeowners with large swaths of land. The rest devolved into new age-y exposition all the way down to "detoxing" (and not in the very real and life-threatening emergency situation that requires hospitals due to overdosing). Pass this one up, as there are better books out there.
January 3, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Creating Sanctuary is a philosophical gardening tutorial aimed at the gardener in search of a more spiritual connection to their outdoor spaces. Published 13th Nov 2018 by Timber Press, it's 236 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.
Interacting with nature in a measured and intentional way can have profound effects on mental (and physical) health. I've often heard friends speak of being alone in a remote setting and likening it in a positive way to a spiritual experience. This book is written around the premise that that experience doesn't have to be coincidental and fleeting. We can choose to create spaces where meditation and relaxation are almost automatic, or at least are supported and unhindered.
The author's style is very calm and gentle. The content is easily read and accessible. Readers who are searching for a more meaningful and deeper relationship to their garden space can find interesting food for thought with this book. There is a fair amount of content devoted to meditation and mindfulness in both creating and using garden spaces.
The book also varies from most garden manuals in layout. The introduction is followed by chapters on creating sacred space and what common elements these spaces share (about 25% of the page content). These chapters are followed by an herbal listing some sacred and medicinal plants and how they can be used as well as commonly held properties and characteristics.The herbal chapters also include some recipes for teas, infusions, and tisanes among others.
The book also includes an in depth study of practices and rituals for getting the best benefit out of sacred spaces. The author includes recommended daily exercises. There's a useful bibliography and further reading list included at the end.
This would make a good gift for a very open-minded gardening friend in search of a way to make their outdoor space more meditation friendly and welcoming. It would also likely appeal to people searching for more ways to incorporate the natural world in their meditation and spiritual practices. The book is not directly religious in a way which most adherents to any faith would find objectionable.
I enjoyed the writing and photography and appreciated the special philosophy of the author.
Four stars
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Creating Sanctuary is a philosophical gardening tutorial aimed at the gardener in search of a more spiritual connection to their outdoor spaces. Published 13th Nov 2018 by Timber Press, it's 236 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.
Interacting with nature in a measured and intentional way can have profound effects on mental (and physical) health. I've often heard friends speak of being alone in a remote setting and likening it in a positive way to a spiritual experience. This book is written around the premise that that experience doesn't have to be coincidental and fleeting. We can choose to create spaces where meditation and relaxation are almost automatic, or at least are supported and unhindered.
The author's style is very calm and gentle. The content is easily read and accessible. Readers who are searching for a more meaningful and deeper relationship to their garden space can find interesting food for thought with this book. There is a fair amount of content devoted to meditation and mindfulness in both creating and using garden spaces.
The book also varies from most garden manuals in layout. The introduction is followed by chapters on creating sacred space and what common elements these spaces share (about 25% of the page content). These chapters are followed by an herbal listing some sacred and medicinal plants and how they can be used as well as commonly held properties and characteristics.The herbal chapters also include some recipes for teas, infusions, and tisanes among others.
The book also includes an in depth study of practices and rituals for getting the best benefit out of sacred spaces. The author includes recommended daily exercises. There's a useful bibliography and further reading list included at the end.
This would make a good gift for a very open-minded gardening friend in search of a way to make their outdoor space more meditation friendly and welcoming. It would also likely appeal to people searching for more ways to incorporate the natural world in their meditation and spiritual practices. The book is not directly religious in a way which most adherents to any faith would find objectionable.
I enjoyed the writing and photography and appreciated the special philosophy of the author.
Four stars
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
August 21, 2018
Creating Sanctuary is a first a truly beautiful book but is it also a wonderful reference for many levels of gardeners
. If you are interested in learning about creating a sacred space or even just a tranquil space in your backyard, this book has wonderful ideas for that. If your interests lie in creating a kitchen garden or an apothecary garden this book is for you. The way it is laid out and the writing encourages you to take what information you need to create your own place in your own time, and allows you to have a space that works for you. It's not a cut and dry blueprint, everyone has their own needs and this speaks to that part of a person that needs healing.
Bloom encourages the reader to use all of their senses, not just sight or smell but also touch and hearing and to use those senses to bring times to your garden that a uplifting and comforting to all five senses. She points out that we should be aware of how colors or scents affect us, is it a positive thought, do certain plants evoke memories? I know I will always associate some plants with my grandmother and I find that I add those to my garden every year, just to feel close to her.
Other parts of the book discuss what kind of garden you are trying to create, all garden can be beautiful but why not create an area with a deeper meaning., Such gardens could be for memorials, spaces for healing, energizing you mind or just relaxation, a space to escape from the stress of the everyday world.
If you decide to delve into the world of plants for apothecary purposes or even kitchen purposes, the author shows how to harvest, preserve and collect seeds for the next growing season. Then there are recipes for teas, tinctures, essentials oils and lotions.
Over all a garden means so many different things to different people, and this book is a wonderful resource for creating your own Sanctuary. Becoming more attuned to the natural elements around us will help us to leave the stresses of daily life behind and enjoy our time just a bit more. It is not just for the advanced gardener since it has information how to have an intentional design in mind, what to plant and where to harvesting your seeds. Creating Sanctuary is a great resource that I plan on adding to my library.
Thanks to Timber Press and Net Galley for an Electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
. If you are interested in learning about creating a sacred space or even just a tranquil space in your backyard, this book has wonderful ideas for that. If your interests lie in creating a kitchen garden or an apothecary garden this book is for you. The way it is laid out and the writing encourages you to take what information you need to create your own place in your own time, and allows you to have a space that works for you. It's not a cut and dry blueprint, everyone has their own needs and this speaks to that part of a person that needs healing.
Bloom encourages the reader to use all of their senses, not just sight or smell but also touch and hearing and to use those senses to bring times to your garden that a uplifting and comforting to all five senses. She points out that we should be aware of how colors or scents affect us, is it a positive thought, do certain plants evoke memories? I know I will always associate some plants with my grandmother and I find that I add those to my garden every year, just to feel close to her.
Other parts of the book discuss what kind of garden you are trying to create, all garden can be beautiful but why not create an area with a deeper meaning., Such gardens could be for memorials, spaces for healing, energizing you mind or just relaxation, a space to escape from the stress of the everyday world.
If you decide to delve into the world of plants for apothecary purposes or even kitchen purposes, the author shows how to harvest, preserve and collect seeds for the next growing season. Then there are recipes for teas, tinctures, essentials oils and lotions.
Over all a garden means so many different things to different people, and this book is a wonderful resource for creating your own Sanctuary. Becoming more attuned to the natural elements around us will help us to leave the stresses of daily life behind and enjoy our time just a bit more. It is not just for the advanced gardener since it has information how to have an intentional design in mind, what to plant and where to harvesting your seeds. Creating Sanctuary is a great resource that I plan on adding to my library.
Thanks to Timber Press and Net Galley for an Electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2021
1.5 stars. Almost everything in this book is so surface level as to be utterly useless. The garden spaces and daily practices sections don't get any more involved than "reflect on what you like." It was so frustrating to read line after line saying things to the effect of "Often X thing is used" without any details about how it's used or how the reader can practically incorporate X thing.
The summary emphasizes all garden space sizes, but the text focuses solely on large yards.
The medicinal herbs section comprises a half star of worth in my rating, but again it's a breezy overview that does not include thorough enough information to safely use herbs. For example, the mugwort description includes an almost afterthought note about not using it while pregnant...yeah, because it can cause miscarriage, which is not mentioned at all but is pretty important.
The section where I tapped out and just skimmed everything after was the smudging one. First the section tries to equate the usage of flames and smoke in a clumsy segue. Then there's the complete appropriation and downplay of the importance of smudging to Native Americans (the book calls it a SIMPLE RITUAL?!?!?! for everyone to use). There's the citation of a flawed, unsupported study to promote smoke cleansing indoors after giving a (very valid) warning about indoor smoke just lines ago...which is an irrelevant point anyway because this is a book about outdoor garden spaces. There's the mention of white sage without any context of its rampant unsustainable harvesting, when the author repeatedly asserts she's such a conscientious steward of nature.
There are much better, more reliably informed books out there on all these topics. Give this one a pass.
The summary emphasizes all garden space sizes, but the text focuses solely on large yards.
The medicinal herbs section comprises a half star of worth in my rating, but again it's a breezy overview that does not include thorough enough information to safely use herbs. For example, the mugwort description includes an almost afterthought note about not using it while pregnant...yeah, because it can cause miscarriage, which is not mentioned at all but is pretty important.
The section where I tapped out and just skimmed everything after was the smudging one. First the section tries to equate the usage of flames and smoke in a clumsy segue. Then there's the complete appropriation and downplay of the importance of smudging to Native Americans (the book calls it a SIMPLE RITUAL?!?!?! for everyone to use). There's the citation of a flawed, unsupported study to promote smoke cleansing indoors after giving a (very valid) warning about indoor smoke just lines ago...which is an irrelevant point anyway because this is a book about outdoor garden spaces. There's the mention of white sage without any context of its rampant unsustainable harvesting, when the author repeatedly asserts she's such a conscientious steward of nature.
There are much better, more reliably informed books out there on all these topics. Give this one a pass.
September 10, 2020
Inspiration and Wellbeing!
Connecting with nature is deeply healing on all levels, energetic, physical and mental. More alternative therapies are including interaction with nature as part of the recovery of inner harmony. We are part of it, we evolve in it, therefore there is a communication, an inherent interconnection and an exchange of information with the natural environment that allows us to purify ourselves and regain coherence.
Due to the above, this book is an inspiring resource to create a space that allows us to recover balance, harmony and coherence. From a very young age I have dreamed of living in a garden, to nourish my soul with the exquisite aesthetics of plants and all their inhabitants. In addition, it is critical to create spaces that allow insects, animals and birds to survive in these times of mass extinction; not only because they are fundamental in biodiversity, but because our survival also depends on it.
This book offers great inspiration and invites us to transform ourselves to be part of the solution to a global problem, at the same time that it brings well-being to our family and community.
My sincere appreciation to the Publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review the book
Connecting with nature is deeply healing on all levels, energetic, physical and mental. More alternative therapies are including interaction with nature as part of the recovery of inner harmony. We are part of it, we evolve in it, therefore there is a communication, an inherent interconnection and an exchange of information with the natural environment that allows us to purify ourselves and regain coherence.
Due to the above, this book is an inspiring resource to create a space that allows us to recover balance, harmony and coherence. From a very young age I have dreamed of living in a garden, to nourish my soul with the exquisite aesthetics of plants and all their inhabitants. In addition, it is critical to create spaces that allow insects, animals and birds to survive in these times of mass extinction; not only because they are fundamental in biodiversity, but because our survival also depends on it.
This book offers great inspiration and invites us to transform ourselves to be part of the solution to a global problem, at the same time that it brings well-being to our family and community.
My sincere appreciation to the Publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review the book
July 6, 2018
“Nature will nurture us if we in turn, nurture nature.”
My viewpoint on what I want from my garden has evolved over the years. For a long time I just required a large piece of lawn for my young children to run off some energy. To create distance from us and the neighbors. In more recent years as I’ve come to develop more of a desire to understand and grow plants that can provide a sanctuary in my own back yard. I’ve always had a deep affinity to wild places. Appreciated the benefit being in those environs will bring to my physical, emotional & spiritual health. It’s time I brought that to a place I don’t have to drive a million miles to get to.
This book actually overwhelmed me with information. Not only is there practical advice on prepping your soil and then choosing plants etc, but there is a very large section on which plants bring the best to your health too. As an avid essential oil user, much of this info wasn’t new to me - though I am unfamiliar with actually using your own plants. There is a lot to take in, so purchasing this book would be a preference over borrowing from a library. If you are serious about creating a real true wild space on your yard - this is probably one of the best reference books I’ve read recently. There’s even info on how to encourage natural wild habitats for the animals.
Great book, lovely pictures - the occasional diagrams.
Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC. This is my honest review.
My viewpoint on what I want from my garden has evolved over the years. For a long time I just required a large piece of lawn for my young children to run off some energy. To create distance from us and the neighbors. In more recent years as I’ve come to develop more of a desire to understand and grow plants that can provide a sanctuary in my own back yard. I’ve always had a deep affinity to wild places. Appreciated the benefit being in those environs will bring to my physical, emotional & spiritual health. It’s time I brought that to a place I don’t have to drive a million miles to get to.
This book actually overwhelmed me with information. Not only is there practical advice on prepping your soil and then choosing plants etc, but there is a very large section on which plants bring the best to your health too. As an avid essential oil user, much of this info wasn’t new to me - though I am unfamiliar with actually using your own plants. There is a lot to take in, so purchasing this book would be a preference over borrowing from a library. If you are serious about creating a real true wild space on your yard - this is probably one of the best reference books I’ve read recently. There’s even info on how to encourage natural wild habitats for the animals.
Great book, lovely pictures - the occasional diagrams.
Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC. This is my honest review.
August 18, 2018
A thoughtful guide to walk you through the process of creating a sanctuary in your yard. The author discusses her reasons for wanting to connect with nature and gives you a step-by-step guide to connecting yourself. Interesting recipes for natural health-care and relaxation products (teas, ointments, bath additives, etc.)
Negatives:
-- not enough photos of a variety of possible situations;
-- does not differentiate between growing zones so her recommendations may not work in all areas;
-- does not address how to create a nature sanctuary if you're in an urban area without access to a yard;
-- expects that you understand how to "listen to the land" and see what it wants you to develop--that is probably a skill that comes with experience and isn't something a beginner can just do.
Positives:
-- lots of detail so you will use this book as a reference guide over and over;
-- I loved the two-week plan for how to use your sacred space after you create it.
Thank you, NetGalley and Timber Press for giving me a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review!
Negatives:
-- not enough photos of a variety of possible situations;
-- does not differentiate between growing zones so her recommendations may not work in all areas;
-- does not address how to create a nature sanctuary if you're in an urban area without access to a yard;
-- expects that you understand how to "listen to the land" and see what it wants you to develop--that is probably a skill that comes with experience and isn't something a beginner can just do.
Positives:
-- lots of detail so you will use this book as a reference guide over and over;
-- I loved the two-week plan for how to use your sacred space after you create it.
Thank you, NetGalley and Timber Press for giving me a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review!
September 11, 2018
I found this book to be very inspiring. I have been staring out at my weed-infested dirt mound of a backyard for over a year now at a complete loss as to how I should even begin landscaping it. This book has given me food for thought going forward.
This book teaches the reader how to build a space with intention. I appreciated that it provided a helpful overview of various trees, plants, and shrubbery that could contribute to creating a sanctuary tailored specifically to your needs. Many examples of how others have done this successfully are sprinkled throughout the book.
Over the years I have developed an interest in natural medicine and homemade products for personal and home use. This book provides a comprehensive guide on harvesting and drying plants and herbs, as well as recipes for how to put them to practical use.
This is a great reference guide for people interested in creating a useful, enjoyable space in their own backyard. I certainly plan to apply the principles learned in this book towards creating my own personal sanctuary at home.
This book teaches the reader how to build a space with intention. I appreciated that it provided a helpful overview of various trees, plants, and shrubbery that could contribute to creating a sanctuary tailored specifically to your needs. Many examples of how others have done this successfully are sprinkled throughout the book.
Over the years I have developed an interest in natural medicine and homemade products for personal and home use. This book provides a comprehensive guide on harvesting and drying plants and herbs, as well as recipes for how to put them to practical use.
This is a great reference guide for people interested in creating a useful, enjoyable space in their own backyard. I certainly plan to apply the principles learned in this book towards creating my own personal sanctuary at home.
October 1, 2018
Creating Sanctuary is an uplifting book about how to work with plants to create healing, an intentional and beautiful garden space, a personal apothecary, herbal recipes, and more. The pictures are lovely, and I found inspiration in the garden examples highlighted throughout the book. I was happy to see the author include information on forest bathing and earthing, and also a shout out for beneficial weeds.
Readers will learn a lot about each plant, tree, and weed, including information on how they grow, sacred powers, and healing properties. A few plants were new to me, such as self-heal, and a few were old favorites. I do wish the author had included growing zones because not all plants will thrive in all locations.
I was drawn to the recipe for Moontime Tea, a few of the flavored waters, the spirit bath ritual, and already plan to incorporate more healing plants in my garden next spring. Readers looking to create a sacred space and connect with nature will love this book.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Readers will learn a lot about each plant, tree, and weed, including information on how they grow, sacred powers, and healing properties. A few plants were new to me, such as self-heal, and a few were old favorites. I do wish the author had included growing zones because not all plants will thrive in all locations.
I was drawn to the recipe for Moontime Tea, a few of the flavored waters, the spirit bath ritual, and already plan to incorporate more healing plants in my garden next spring. Readers looking to create a sacred space and connect with nature will love this book.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2019
A creative way to build relaxation!
Thanks to NetGalley and Timber Press for the opportunity to read and review Creating Sanctuary by Jessi Bloom!
Informative and inspiring, Creating Sanctuary shows and tells the reader about sanctuary around the world and gives us the knowledge and freedom to choose and create our own special healing and meditative spaces. The five steps to creating your sanctuary garden are to clear out space, improve the soil, manage the water, provide wildlife habitat and build the plant layers. Different styles and designs for planting (medicine wheels) and different relaxation techniques (forest bathing)are discussed, as well as celebrating the changing seasons. Eye-opening and helpful tips for every aspect of building a personal sanctuary, 5 stars!
Thanks to NetGalley and Timber Press for the opportunity to read and review Creating Sanctuary by Jessi Bloom!
Informative and inspiring, Creating Sanctuary shows and tells the reader about sanctuary around the world and gives us the knowledge and freedom to choose and create our own special healing and meditative spaces. The five steps to creating your sanctuary garden are to clear out space, improve the soil, manage the water, provide wildlife habitat and build the plant layers. Different styles and designs for planting (medicine wheels) and different relaxation techniques (forest bathing)are discussed, as well as celebrating the changing seasons. Eye-opening and helpful tips for every aspect of building a personal sanctuary, 5 stars!
November 18, 2019
Unfortunately not for me
I knew this book would be out of.My comfort zone, but I wanted to explore how the author used plants to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The book takes a "new.age" approach. I was okay with that- again i knew I was going out of my comfort zone with this selection. Unfortunately after about 90-130 pages the author went into subjects that I was not interested in- the.power of crystals for example. While i.finished the book i was disappointed that so much of the book went on a direction that was not what I was hoping to get out of this book. I think this book has a place and I will re read certain sections, but it won't be the first book off my shelf.
I knew this book would be out of.My comfort zone, but I wanted to explore how the author used plants to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The book takes a "new.age" approach. I was okay with that- again i knew I was going out of my comfort zone with this selection. Unfortunately after about 90-130 pages the author went into subjects that I was not interested in- the.power of crystals for example. While i.finished the book i was disappointed that so much of the book went on a direction that was not what I was hoping to get out of this book. I think this book has a place and I will re read certain sections, but it won't be the first book off my shelf.
June 8, 2018
Yes! This was pure perfection!
Of course I loved the beautiful photos but it was so much more than that. For me, gardening has become one of my grounding exercises.
When I step outside into nature it transforms me in ways I can’t even explain. We need to take time away from our our busy lives and for each of us that means something different. Finding the thing that makes you feel whole again, that allows you breathe without expectations can only help you find yourself in times of uncertainty. We’re so focused on work, news and even social media that we forget those things don’t make us whole. The only fragment our lives in ways that, most of the time, aren’t conducive to a happy life.
Of course I loved the beautiful photos but it was so much more than that. For me, gardening has become one of my grounding exercises.
When I step outside into nature it transforms me in ways I can’t even explain. We need to take time away from our our busy lives and for each of us that means something different. Finding the thing that makes you feel whole again, that allows you breathe without expectations can only help you find yourself in times of uncertainty. We’re so focused on work, news and even social media that we forget those things don’t make us whole. The only fragment our lives in ways that, most of the time, aren’t conducive to a happy life.
June 21, 2019
Few ideas for smaller spaces (i.e. if you don't have your own ranch). Reading this book it seems conflicted, trying to provide spiritual inspiration along with details on what to grow both as ornamentals and for medicinal purposes. There are a ton of great books out there on each of these topics individually and i feel the author would have had more success conveying her message focusing on case studies of real implementations instead of pages of high-level theory.
It would be great to see a "My favorite sacred spaces" book from her in the future with maybe six to eight case studies showing the spaces and talking about why particular elements were chosen.
It would be great to see a "My favorite sacred spaces" book from her in the future with maybe six to eight case studies showing the spaces and talking about why particular elements were chosen.
November 1, 2018
Creating Sanctuary is a beautifully written and illustrated reference book. I'd love to have the space to create a large space to do Yoga, meditate etc. One day I will. I especially love the recipes for all things from bath bombs, foot baths, essential oils, protein bombs, drying herbs. The list goes on but you should take a look at this book and you will be amazed at how disrespectful most of us are to the plants around us. I will never look at a garden the same way again. I will also take a closer look at my space and begin to develop my garden and use more of the contents in ways described. I absolutely loved this book and will refer to it often in my coming years
November 18, 2018
Oh, how I loved this book! In my previous home I had a wonderful garden that I created which was my personal sanctuary. This book will help anyone to create their own special space. It helps us think about respecting the space, knowing the soil and knowing the plants that we need in that space. Where I live now, I cannot have an outside garden, but I can, and did, create one in my mind that can still be my sanctuary.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 25, 2019
I have been doing my best to explore all the books I can find on the intersection of gardens and spiritual practices as I count down the weeks to adopting my very first garden. This lovely little book was a great introduction. Bloom touches on choosing garden elements, making plant medicine, and nature-based spiritual practices in a gentle, encouraging way. Her approach in undogmatic and inclusive, which sometimes bordered on unfocused to me, but I appreciated that people with a myriad of spiritual beliefs and practices could find this book approachable.
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