Why We Garden: The art, science, philosophy and joy of gardening

by Claire Masset

Explore the mystery of what makes us love gardening, via history, science, art and philosophy.


Whether you seek sanctuary in your potting shed, find paradise amongst your patio plants or enjoy the simply solace of your hands in the soil, there is beauty, peace and happiness to be found for every gardener in this thoughtful and entertaining collection.

Both a hymn to gardening and a call to action, this down-to-earth guide is worth a hundred 'how-tos'. Wander the gardens of Giverny with Monet to create your own 'beautiful masterpiece' or, like George Orwell, reap the joy to be found in the work of an allotment. Discover the soothing symmetry in the spiral of sunflower seeds, or, like William Morris, provide a wild abundance of floral habitat for the natural visitors to your garden.

Drawing inspiration from gardening greats - from the ancient Greek and French philosophers Epicurus and Voltaire, via the wisdom of Margery Fish and Gertrude Jekyll, to Monty Don and modern-day guerrilla gardeners - this beautifully illustrated compilation is a thoughtful gift for any gardener.

Genres: Nonfiction, Gardening

144 pages, Hardcover

Published July 4, 2023

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Affirming and delightful! A beautiful book — I absolutely loved the illustrations — that’s well organized, full of inspiring quotes, and contains an extensive bibliography with many other gardening books to explore. This would also make a great gift for a fellow garden lover.

[Maria Hammon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire Masset's "Why We Garden" is a lovely book (beautiful inside and out.)

Masset captures the essence of gardening as more than just a hobby—it's a profound connection to nature and history. Her insights resonate deeply as she explores how our urge to create beauty finds its purest expression in a garden.

Masset's reflection on Monet's love for his garden is a reminder that amidst the blooms, we find not only solace but also inspiration.

I was reminded that when we garden, we're never alone. We're surrounded by the spirits of gardeners past, their wisdom and love for the land echoing through the centuries.

In "Why We Garden," Masset reminds us that in tending to our gardens, we're part of something greater—a rich tapestry of human connection and appreciation for the earth.

[Helen Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I borrowed it from the library - a perfect addition to its collection. It is also a special book to own - especially the hardcover. I love the feel of the cover and the indented title. It would look lovely on any coffee table.
Inside it delivers taking you on a meandering journey of gardening thoughts and ponderings. It is nearly all based around the U.K. but that doesn't matter as the Brits do gardening so well. I enjoyed learning more about allotments - fascinating. If you're in love with gardening or even slightly falling out with gardening your passion will be revived and renewed.
Beware the font is pretty small but it is worth persevering.

[Elizabeth Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book. Many watercolor illustrations make this book a joy to read. I had to laugh that the one reason we garden, most important throughout history is to grow food. That was not one of the chapters or highlighted as a reason to garden. It touched on many other reasons, beauty, spirituality, but not that a garden feeds us all.

[Roberto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring and lively book providing a variety of angles on how to look at gardening and its effects on the mind, soul and body of the gardener. If you are not already a gardener, you will become one after reading this slim volume.

[Abeer Arain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Except for a few polytheistic remarks which I struck out, this book is a great read!

[Ellisnoblebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un bellissimo saggio sul giardinaggio perfetto per chi vuole conoscere l'argomento, con riflessioni psicologiche, storiche e religiose. Consigliatissimo!