The Therapeutic Garden

by Donald Norfolk

In this exquisitely crafted and illustrated book, Donald Norfolk attempts to redress the balance as he explores the history of horticulture, and the ancient wisdom of poets and philosophers. Tracing the natural rhythms and beauty of the changing seasons, he also demonstrates how we can all discover the secrets of nature's healing, restorative powers.
(amazon.co.uk)

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Spirituality

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Celtria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book with some beautiful illustrations, lots of wisdom and acute good sense.

Everyone should read this - particularly non-gardeners and those who see gardening as a chore - from those with a few pot plants or a window box to those with acres.

Inspirational and validating and a great book to read outdoors (in a garden).

[Moonstone · Rating 3 out of 5]

A delightful change from the usual `how-to`gardening books. A holistic view of how your garden can heal you, and as the back page says when we cultivate the soil we can also cultivate the soul. Made me want to sit and contemplate in my garden rather than cultivate.

[Molly Teleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Den hade sina intressanta delar, men var inkonsekvent. Tror betyget sjönk ganska samtidigt som jag läste ett par av hans helt irrelevanta attacker på symfoniorkestrar och operahus. Man tror att man läser om trädgårdshistoria, jo visst var det trädgårdshistoria?

[Anwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a 'how to create' manual, but rather a treatise on why having a natural, burgeoning garden - or at the very least, access to one - is of vital importance to the human spirit. We thrive when we can see natural beauty, and diminish when we do not. Although there is very little practical advice here, other than a few nebulous suggestions as to what the garden should contain, what there is in abundance are pearls of wisdom and a treatise that allows the reader to reflect on what they want out of life. Norfolk believes that, 'laughter and play are two of the most potent therapies known to man.' Having read this book, I have to say I agree with him.