Why Gardens Matter

So many gardening books tell you what to plant and where and when. But how often do they tell you to just sit and enjoy them? And when you do, you can find yourself thinking of things in a different way.With an exceptional academic career in natural history and medicine, writer Joanna Geyer-Kordesch found 'reflection, consolation and healing' in the soothing, healing powers of gardens after suffering from a major stroke. Sharing profound reflections on how gardening has helped her regenerate, Why Gardens Matter is as enlightening as it is inspirational. With contributions from Donald Smith, this is a powerful plea for us to reflect on our gardens and to acknowledge the life-affirming values of our green spaces.

Joanna Geyer-Kordesch has had a distinguished academic career bridging the disciplines of history of medicine and cultural history as embodied in our landscapes. After becoming the first woman to direct The Wellcome Unit for the History of Medicine at the University from 1990 to 2001, she became Professor of European Natural History and History of Medicine at that university where, after retiring in 2006, she remains a Professor Emerita. Since retirement Joanna has continued her research interests while developing a parallel career as a poet, artist and creative essayist. In this latest phase of her life, following a debilitating illness, gardens have become central to her thinking, as well as places of healing, stimulus and reflection.