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The Regenerative Garden: 80 Practical Projects for Creating a Self-sustaining Garden Ecosystem
Discover how to work with nature, instead of against it, by employing permaculture techniques to create a garden that is not just more beautiful and productive, but also more resilient.
While the word permaculture might sound intimidating, the principals behind it are not. The main goal of permaculture is to turn your space into a functioning ecosystem that’s less reliant on external resources and better able to sustain itself through many seasons of growth and change as it resists pests, diseases, and climate extremes. Whatever the size of your space, from a tiny patio garden to a big backyard, and whether you grow food, flowers, shrubs, trees, or a combination of all, The Regenerative Garden is here to help you become a better, more eco-conscious gardener.
Through 80 DIY projects, author Stephanie Rose of the popular website Garden Therapy introduces you to basic backyard permaculture concepts in an easy-to-follow, logical way. Each of the six chapters represents a living element of the garden, capable of playing a valuable role in its constant regeneration, including soil, water, plants, climate, ethics, and community. As you check these projects off your to-do list, you’ll find you’ve reduced your long-term work load, conserved water and other resources, turned your yard into a habitat for wildlife, and learned to grow perennial foods in creative ways.
The 80 featured projects include step-by-step instructions on how
Employ intensive planting to reduce weeding and watering choresUse living mulches to amend the soilBuild self-watering planters and wicking beds to reduce water useInstall a rain garden to catch runoffPlant a wildlife hedge to support creatures and create a windbreak and noise bufferCompost projects and systems to repurpose waste on-siteMake a butterfly migration station to support pollinators of all sorts
A healthy, organic, regenerative garden is a perfect example of a self-sustaining ecosystem; everything works in tandem, is intricately connected, and comes full circle to create its own never-ending cycle of life.
While the word permaculture might sound intimidating, the principals behind it are not. The main goal of permaculture is to turn your space into a functioning ecosystem that’s less reliant on external resources and better able to sustain itself through many seasons of growth and change as it resists pests, diseases, and climate extremes. Whatever the size of your space, from a tiny patio garden to a big backyard, and whether you grow food, flowers, shrubs, trees, or a combination of all, The Regenerative Garden is here to help you become a better, more eco-conscious gardener.
Through 80 DIY projects, author Stephanie Rose of the popular website Garden Therapy introduces you to basic backyard permaculture concepts in an easy-to-follow, logical way. Each of the six chapters represents a living element of the garden, capable of playing a valuable role in its constant regeneration, including soil, water, plants, climate, ethics, and community. As you check these projects off your to-do list, you’ll find you’ve reduced your long-term work load, conserved water and other resources, turned your yard into a habitat for wildlife, and learned to grow perennial foods in creative ways.
The 80 featured projects include step-by-step instructions on how
Employ intensive planting to reduce weeding and watering choresUse living mulches to amend the soilBuild self-watering planters and wicking beds to reduce water useInstall a rain garden to catch runoffPlant a wildlife hedge to support creatures and create a windbreak and noise bufferCompost projects and systems to repurpose waste on-siteMake a butterfly migration station to support pollinators of all sorts
A healthy, organic, regenerative garden is a perfect example of a self-sustaining ecosystem; everything works in tandem, is intricately connected, and comes full circle to create its own never-ending cycle of life.
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2022
301 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Rose
12 books17 followersStephanie Rose is an award-winning author, freelance writer, instructor, and international speaker who aims to encourage healing and wellness through gardening. For over ten years she has been both a student and teacher of organic gardening, permaculture design, herbalism, and natural skin care formulation. Stephanie is a member of Garden Communicators International, the Permaculture Institute of North America, the International Herb Association, and volunteers to develop children’s gardens as a Vancouver Master Gardener. She shares stories, recipes, and projects on her inspiring website, GardenTherapy.ca.
Stephanie has written several books including Home Apothecary (Leisure Arts, 2018), Home Candle Making (Leisure Arts 2019), The Natural Beauty Recipe Book (Rose Garden Press, 2016), and Garden Made: A Year of Seasonal Projects to Beautify Your Garden and Your Life (Roost Books, 2015), which was a Gold Medal Winner from the 2016 Independent Publishers Book Awards (the “IPPYs”).
Stephanie’s upcoming book, Garden Alchemy: 80 Recipes and Concoctions for Organic Fertilizers, Plant Elixirs, Potting Mixes, Pest Deterrents, and More (Cool Springs Press, 2020), will be released in March.
Stephanie spends her time as an organic gardener, writer, and artist in Vancouver, BC, Canada. She is passionate about organic gardening, natural healing, and art as part of life. Stephanie lives with her family and a motley crew of animals, which provide her with inspiration and delight both in and out of the garden.
Visit Stephanie at: https://gardentherapy.ca
Stephanie has written several books including Home Apothecary (Leisure Arts, 2018), Home Candle Making (Leisure Arts 2019), The Natural Beauty Recipe Book (Rose Garden Press, 2016), and Garden Made: A Year of Seasonal Projects to Beautify Your Garden and Your Life (Roost Books, 2015), which was a Gold Medal Winner from the 2016 Independent Publishers Book Awards (the “IPPYs”).
Stephanie’s upcoming book, Garden Alchemy: 80 Recipes and Concoctions for Organic Fertilizers, Plant Elixirs, Potting Mixes, Pest Deterrents, and More (Cool Springs Press, 2020), will be released in March.
Stephanie spends her time as an organic gardener, writer, and artist in Vancouver, BC, Canada. She is passionate about organic gardening, natural healing, and art as part of life. Stephanie lives with her family and a motley crew of animals, which provide her with inspiration and delight both in and out of the garden.
Visit Stephanie at: https://gardentherapy.ca
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 10, 2024
Great beginner guide
I particularly liked the part about what weeds are doing in our soil to help understand how to improve it.
I also enjoyed learning more about cover crops.
I particularly liked the part about what weeds are doing in our soil to help understand how to improve it.
I also enjoyed learning more about cover crops.
May 27, 2022
A good introduction to small scale permaculture/regenerative gardening projects. Personally, some of them are pretty kitschy for my taste but I can definitely see many of these projects in suburban yards. I will definitely try at least a couple of these in my own garden.
May 24, 2025
Another great and practical book from this author
Another great book of practical projects and ideas for all different types of gardens and gardeners. A real keeper and reference
Another great book of practical projects and ideas for all different types of gardens and gardeners. A real keeper and reference
February 22, 2022
This book is an absolutely beautiful guide to the basics of regenerative gardening. The format is easy to read and quickly look back to for reference.
There are eight sections (like soil and water) that each has an overview of why they are important and then a selection of projects that improve the garden. Each project has options ranging from a minor to a big effort.
I got a few ideas for my own garden from reading this and I plan to refer back to the how-to guides and charts as I continue to work on my garden. Specifically the pond information and how to make a worm hotel “compost.”
It is a broad book and Rose is upfront that you will have to further research these projects for your climate and own garden. The intended audience seems to be a mid-size home gardener, most projects were suited for a backyard. A few places lacked further details and clarification that would have helped me understand why certain projects were beneficial or where they were best suited for.
Thank you Netgalley for ARC
There are eight sections (like soil and water) that each has an overview of why they are important and then a selection of projects that improve the garden. Each project has options ranging from a minor to a big effort.
I got a few ideas for my own garden from reading this and I plan to refer back to the how-to guides and charts as I continue to work on my garden. Specifically the pond information and how to make a worm hotel “compost.”
It is a broad book and Rose is upfront that you will have to further research these projects for your climate and own garden. The intended audience seems to be a mid-size home gardener, most projects were suited for a backyard. A few places lacked further details and clarification that would have helped me understand why certain projects were beneficial or where they were best suited for.
Thank you Netgalley for ARC
February 21, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for the preview PDF of this book!
I first became familiar with the author through her posts on Pinterest and found many of her blog posts helpful. I live in the Pacific Northwest so her garden advice proved helpful for me here and there. So when I saw her new book was coming soon I was thrilled to be able to preview the digital version. It does not disappoint!
Right from the start you are given a definition of "regenerative" that is approachable and encouraging. You do not need to be an experienced gardener nor a botanist to grasp the concept of regenerative gardening.
Each chapter is full of helpful information teaching the basic ideas behind creating a garden that will in turn reward you with less work and more bounty. The projects are explained well and laid out in gorgeous photos and illustrations that I could easily follow. I am limited to a patio container garden at present but this is a book that I look forward to purchasing in physical form so that maybe one day I can apply so much more of it's practice to a larger garden.
I first became familiar with the author through her posts on Pinterest and found many of her blog posts helpful. I live in the Pacific Northwest so her garden advice proved helpful for me here and there. So when I saw her new book was coming soon I was thrilled to be able to preview the digital version. It does not disappoint!
Right from the start you are given a definition of "regenerative" that is approachable and encouraging. You do not need to be an experienced gardener nor a botanist to grasp the concept of regenerative gardening.
Each chapter is full of helpful information teaching the basic ideas behind creating a garden that will in turn reward you with less work and more bounty. The projects are explained well and laid out in gorgeous photos and illustrations that I could easily follow. I am limited to a patio container garden at present but this is a book that I look forward to purchasing in physical form so that maybe one day I can apply so much more of it's practice to a larger garden.
February 17, 2022
At first glance, this level of gardening was well beyond my own. The chapter on soil was too technical for me, and the chapter on water was a lot for my suburbs plot. But the sixth part of the book was perfection. I wrote down tons of ideas to share with my kids and neighbors this summer! I can't wait to try out some of these community building garden ideas!
A beautiful book to leaf through, a good chunk of the information is for the intermediate gardener, but a final part is perfect for all.
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to review this title!
A beautiful book to leaf through, a good chunk of the information is for the intermediate gardener, but a final part is perfect for all.
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to review this title!
February 7, 2022
My new go-to garden bible!
This is easily the most helpful gardening book I have ever read. Beginning gardeners often receive extremely general advice such as, "Amend your soil with compost! Use cover crops! Collect rainwater!" But that advice is lacking in specificity and trying to find solid information on the internet can be overwhelming.
This book is exactly the opposite. Every technique and suggestion is clearly explained with detail and is easy to follow. I'm already planning how to incorporate these strategies into my garden both immediately and in the long term. Particularly excited to try some of the watering tricks and the guild pairings for my apple trees!
This is easily the most helpful gardening book I have ever read. Beginning gardeners often receive extremely general advice such as, "Amend your soil with compost! Use cover crops! Collect rainwater!" But that advice is lacking in specificity and trying to find solid information on the internet can be overwhelming.
This book is exactly the opposite. Every technique and suggestion is clearly explained with detail and is easy to follow. I'm already planning how to incorporate these strategies into my garden both immediately and in the long term. Particularly excited to try some of the watering tricks and the guild pairings for my apple trees!
April 28, 2022
A bit of a mixed bag here. Rose presents many good projects, and though she presents different "levels" (of difficulty and/or ecological impact that you could achieve based on your ability or location or both) for them, many seem out-of-reach or impractical for the average home gardener (unless you happen to live in an area that permits urban/suburban farms). Also, while I love many of the ideas and the reasoning behind them, I think the impact and inspiration could've been raised with more "after" photos showing the beautiful gardens that have many of the completed projects.
March 5, 2022
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Regenerative Garden is a tutorial and reference for relaxing with plants, using plants, and building a healthy garden written by Stephanie Rose. Due out 15th March 2022 from Quarto on their Cool Springs Press imprint, it's 176 pages and will be available in paperback format.
This is a well written gardening guide with lots of small tutorials with a more holistic & meditative aspect. The basic gardening info is here: how to improve soil, how to plan and choose planting material, how to conserve and get the best use out of water resources, climate, ethics, and community building. In addition, each chapter contains project tutorials related thematically to the chapter. The projects are listed individually in the table of contents. Within each tutorial are included highlighted text boxes showing three levels of engagement for supporting and improving garden health. For example, the first level might be to build a trellis, second level is to build it using re-purposed materials to keep them out of a landfill, and the third and most desirable level is to use it and re-use it until it's ready to be composted.
The author has also included a resources and links list as well as a short list of annotations related to information in the book. Resources are mostly slanted to readers living and gardening in North America, although the information contained in the book itself will be broadly relevant for readers no matter where they live.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Regenerative Garden is a tutorial and reference for relaxing with plants, using plants, and building a healthy garden written by Stephanie Rose. Due out 15th March 2022 from Quarto on their Cool Springs Press imprint, it's 176 pages and will be available in paperback format.
This is a well written gardening guide with lots of small tutorials with a more holistic & meditative aspect. The basic gardening info is here: how to improve soil, how to plan and choose planting material, how to conserve and get the best use out of water resources, climate, ethics, and community building. In addition, each chapter contains project tutorials related thematically to the chapter. The projects are listed individually in the table of contents. Within each tutorial are included highlighted text boxes showing three levels of engagement for supporting and improving garden health. For example, the first level might be to build a trellis, second level is to build it using re-purposed materials to keep them out of a landfill, and the third and most desirable level is to use it and re-use it until it's ready to be composted.
The author has also included a resources and links list as well as a short list of annotations related to information in the book. Resources are mostly slanted to readers living and gardening in North America, although the information contained in the book itself will be broadly relevant for readers no matter where they live.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Read
May 1, 2025Lives up to its title. Lots of interesting eco-friendly garden projects and ideas here, though I would say I would want some more traditional garden resources or knowledge to balance and give some depth of knowledge.
Projects include
1) ways to amend soil (manure, compost, green manures, mulching, sheet mulching/lasagna gardening, hugelkultur*) along with notes about what certain weeds can tell you about your soil;
2) water projects like rain barrels*, olla catchments*, diy rain gauge, rain garden, wicking beds*, self-watering planters* and a deep-watering tube for container gardens*;
3) Planting tips on combining plants and replacing lawns as well as diy trellises*, espaliering fruit trees, growing bee plants;
4) hardscape projects for adjusting microclimates: umbrella greenhouse cloches*, using thermal mass, building an herb spiral stone planter, sun and shade mapping, building a windbreak*, creating a privacy screen, and reforestation for cooling;
5) waste handling and composting: the keyhole bed techniques*, using native plants, integrated pest management, building a worm hotel*, adding domestic animals, and building DIY compost systems*;
6) Community? ideas: planting a wildlife hedge, wildlife pond in a pot*, seed sharing library, urban flower stand, kindness victory garden, community farm stand, butterfly pathway gardens, a children's sensory garden*, and a bug hotel*.
I've indicated the ones I thought the coolest with an asterisk above: I love the idea of keyhole gardens, worm hotels, the wildlife pond in a pot, and hugelkultur, and I had never heard of wicking beds before!
Projects include
1) ways to amend soil (manure, compost, green manures, mulching, sheet mulching/lasagna gardening, hugelkultur*) along with notes about what certain weeds can tell you about your soil;
2) water projects like rain barrels*, olla catchments*, diy rain gauge, rain garden, wicking beds*, self-watering planters* and a deep-watering tube for container gardens*;
3) Planting tips on combining plants and replacing lawns as well as diy trellises*, espaliering fruit trees, growing bee plants;
4) hardscape projects for adjusting microclimates: umbrella greenhouse cloches*, using thermal mass, building an herb spiral stone planter, sun and shade mapping, building a windbreak*, creating a privacy screen, and reforestation for cooling;
5) waste handling and composting: the keyhole bed techniques*, using native plants, integrated pest management, building a worm hotel*, adding domestic animals, and building DIY compost systems*;
6) Community? ideas: planting a wildlife hedge, wildlife pond in a pot*, seed sharing library, urban flower stand, kindness victory garden, community farm stand, butterfly pathway gardens, a children's sensory garden*, and a bug hotel*.
I've indicated the ones I thought the coolest with an asterisk above: I love the idea of keyhole gardens, worm hotels, the wildlife pond in a pot, and hugelkultur, and I had never heard of wicking beds before!
February 24, 2022
When my copy of Regenerative Gardening arrived, I honestly couldn’t wait to get reading, especially with me starting to play ahead for our spring garden. From what I have seen, I love this book and all the excellent information, DIY projects, and of course, gorgeous information pictures.
It is perfect for creating the perfect ecosystem to keep your garden thriving while naturally keeping away pests. It goes over everything from soil, water, plants, creating privacy garden walls and growing perennial foods. Even though some DIY projects may be a little time-consuming, they are very much worth the time and are easily approachable with pictures and step-by-step guides. Overall, I consider The Regenerative Garden: 80 Practical Projects for Creating a Self-sustaining Garden Ecosystem a must for any gardener’s collection!
It is perfect for creating the perfect ecosystem to keep your garden thriving while naturally keeping away pests. It goes over everything from soil, water, plants, creating privacy garden walls and growing perennial foods. Even though some DIY projects may be a little time-consuming, they are very much worth the time and are easily approachable with pictures and step-by-step guides. Overall, I consider The Regenerative Garden: 80 Practical Projects for Creating a Self-sustaining Garden Ecosystem a must for any gardener’s collection!
May 14, 2022
By the time I got to Chapter 3 on plants I decided I was taking so many notes I should buy the book. (library loan) Each section is marked with leveled projects to match the level of effort you have available to put into each method and project. For instance, the overall water efficiency goals are 1) capture and store rainwater for garden irrigation. 2) Recycle water and use it as many times as possible. 3) Live within your water budget. Each goal builds on the previous leading to stair steps in a more sustainable direction and avoiding being overwhelmed by large scale projects. Step by step directions and materials images for projects are included as well!
September 10, 2022
Well it said we were going to be able to have a garden they could sustain itself but this is a whole bunch of projects would take a lot of work and need regular maintenance. The topic of climate changes mentioned here and it has that bias slant of negativity, oddly it does not deal with local constructions on gardening such as we all can’t do the same thing you have to grow what works in your hardiness zone. I guess the old days of just having a straight facts how to garden book are over, this reads like a blog.
January 29, 2023
This is very much aimed at individuals wishing to break into regenerative gardening without really knowing how. This is about starting small and dipping your toes in. It isn't about growing all the food you need ever or creating the ultimate habitat for wildlife. Or creating the ultimate food forest perfectly all at once! It acknowledges that we are all learning and growing with our new knowledge which I really appreciate. This book allows you to ease into some really good practices while feeling positive that at least you're doing something.
September 5, 2023
A very useful book, not just a bunch of pretty pictures but actual themes and thought and accurate tips. This could have been a rather dry and practical book but instead it is lean and colourful and inspiring in the best way. Inspiring with things that a reasonable gardener with good intentions could accomplish.
Garden books tend to be browsed by me, not read cover to cover, but this is the exception.
Enjoyed it.
Garden books tend to be browsed by me, not read cover to cover, but this is the exception.
Enjoyed it.
Read
July 24, 2023A great way to get started
Projects in small bite size pieces that let you have many great ideas for ways to get started with a more regenerative or sustainable garden. More than just blurbs though, thoughtful comments on things to consider and ways to get started. Resources are scattered throughout for more depth. One of the best gardening books I've read in awhile.
Projects in small bite size pieces that let you have many great ideas for ways to get started with a more regenerative or sustainable garden. More than just blurbs though, thoughtful comments on things to consider and ways to get started. Resources are scattered throughout for more depth. One of the best gardening books I've read in awhile.
May 1, 2025
An amazing read for a first time gardener!!
I’ve started my garden journey, starting with reading. This book is well written, easy to understand, includes beautiful pictures to help you understand the steps to build the beautiful things pictured. Great tips on how to make an amazing garden. Thanks so much for a great read!
I’ve started my garden journey, starting with reading. This book is well written, easy to understand, includes beautiful pictures to help you understand the steps to build the beautiful things pictured. Great tips on how to make an amazing garden. Thanks so much for a great read!
June 14, 2025
This book is so visually appealing. I know we aren’t supposed to judge books by their covers. But this one does exactly what the cover shows and says. It’s practical advice for a little regenerative home garden. I’m not fully sold on all of the basis for permaculture. However, I definitely want the most and best plants for the least amount of work.
February 28, 2022
Interesting projects, lovely pictures, well explained and easy to follow.
It was an interesting and informative read, I will surely try some of the projects.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It was an interesting and informative read, I will surely try some of the projects.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
March 6, 2022
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Permaculture doesn't need to be difficult as this book definitely shows. So many practical ideas that can be incorporated into any garden to make it more healthy and self-sufficient. Excellent ideas!
Permaculture doesn't need to be difficult as this book definitely shows. So many practical ideas that can be incorporated into any garden to make it more healthy and self-sufficient. Excellent ideas!
April 14, 2022
This book is BEAUTIFUL! It has such a smart layout and reference tips. It is one of the best sustainable gardening books I’ve referenced and I will be consulting it every year. So glad I bought it.
April 18, 2022
Extremely informative book on gardening. This isn’t a overly technical language book so it’s really easy to understand. The author explains every step without talking over a newbies head.
While this book won’t completely work for me with my yard, I found lots of helpful tips and practices.
While this book won’t completely work for me with my yard, I found lots of helpful tips and practices.
October 21, 2022
This book gives you fresh and practical ideas on how to build a garden that benefits the health of everything around it (you, the birds and bees, soil, climate). This book and the book Gaia's Garden are my top 2 books about gardening that are aligned with permaculture values.
April 4, 2023
Small-scale permaculture ideas for the home garden. I can actually see myself trying some of these. Projects I want to try include: inter planting herbs, eco lawn alternatives, growing a bee border, and the privacy screen.
March 19, 2024
An eyeopening book that is filled with tips, tricks, and ideas for creating a more sustainable home garden. There are so many ideas so you will have no problem finding a solution perfect for your garden and your budget.
March 21, 2024
This is a sampler of many potential projects, and for several of them, you'll need to research how-to details elsewhere. I'm inspired to tackle a couple of them this summer. Nice definitions of some of the vocabulary of permaculture.
July 7, 2024
Maybe I anticipated something different than what o picked up, but a collection of small projects to do in your yard to work towards regenerative gardens. Some ideas to take away, but didn’t give the info I thought of receive.
February 12, 2026
Pretty good overall book with lots of lush visuals and useful projects. Not a five star book only because the scope was limited, and only seemed to cover gardening techniques in specific, non-arid conditions.
April 4, 2022
Lots of useful how-to projects for transforming your garden into a regenerative one.
June 14, 2022
A very informative resource! I will absolutely be referencing back to some of the project ideas in this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews