A Therapist's Garden

Using Plants to Revitalize Your Spirit

by Erik Keller

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.

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Pub Date 24 Mar 2022 | Archive Date 30 Mar 2022

Black Rose Writing

Health, Mind & Body | Nonfiction (Adult) | Outdoors & Nature

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Description

The Zen of mixing mud with seniors; crafting surprising salads out of weeds; and a hidden rabbit bringing joy to girls in a juvenile detention center. These are a few of the nearly 100 stories that Erik Keller takes readers on through a journey of how interacting with plants and nature can help heal mental, emotional, and physical trauma. Through the lens of January to December, in a New England landscape, discover how horticultural therapy improves the lives of those in pain including special-needs children, cancer patients, and disabled seniors.

Though A Therapist's Garden primarily deals with the emotional and physical benefits of nature-based interactions, it also provides an array of practical gardening advice and tips through client stories as well as monthly outings and crafts that will surprise and delight readers.

A Note From the Publisher

Erik Keller is a horticultural therapist and master gardener with 20-plus years of experience who has helped over 1,000 clients of all ages cope with physical, emotional, and mental challenges. He currently manages the gardens and horticultural therapy program at Ann's Place, Danbury, CT, an organization that assists cancer patients and their families. He is also a Conservation Commissioner in the town of Ridgefield, CT.

Erik Keller is a horticultural therapist and master gardener with 20-plus years of experience who has helped over 1,000 clients of all ages cope with physical, emotional, and mental challenges. He...

Advance Praise

"Full of wonder and compassion, Keller's memoir demonstrates the power of horticultural therapy in action and provides a practical guide based on a wealth of experience." -Dr. Sue Stuart-Smith, author of The Well-Gardened Mind

"Spending a year in the gardens with Erik Keller is illuminating and inspiring. A Therapist's Garden is the balm we need in troubling times." -Florence Williams, author of The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative

"Reading this book is like hanging out with a mentor who is a master gardener and knows how to teach gently in sync with the seasons. A Therapist's Garden takes beginners and experts alike beyond the skills and into the heart of gardening." -M. Amos Clifford, CEO and Founder, Association of Nature & Forest Therapy and author of Your Guide to Forest Bathing

"A Therapist's Garden eloquently demonstrates that nurturing plant life and immersing oneself in the seasonal cycles of nature is often the best prescription for health and well being." -Matt Mattus, author of Mastering the Art of Flower Gardening and the award-winning gardening blog Growing with Plants

"A wonder-filled book of the hidden miracles of therapeutic gardening. A Therapist's Garden captures Erik Keller's many years of experience with inspiring tales of success with special-needs children and plants. A joy to read!" -Sal Gilbertie, owner Gilbertie's Herb Gardens, one of the largest organic herb growers in the United States

"This engaging book is filled with month-by-month chapters of delightful stories from Erik's many years of teaching horticultural therapy. A Therapist's Garden has many useful gardening tips and projects bringing the therapeutic benefits of plants into clients' lives." -Marc Thoma, author of Urban Gardening for Beginners and Herb Gardening for Beginners (www.tranquilurbanhomestead.com)

"Full of wonder and compassion, Keller's memoir demonstrates the power of horticultural therapy in action and provides a practical guide based on a wealth of experience." -Dr. Sue Stuart-Smith...

Available Editions

EDITION	Ebook
ISBN	9781684339143
PRICE	US$5.99 (USD)

Additional Information

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Featured Reviews

janne B, Reviewer

Loved it! The Author kindly sent me a hard copy which I appreciated. Garden therapy. This book was just what i needed to revitalize my spirit after a long Winter in Florida!
Erik Keller is a Horticultural Therapist who shares a 100 stories of how interacting with plants and nature can heal mental, emotional and physical trauma. I particularly enjoyed the Art of Zen-mixing mud with seniors.
The Author splits the chapters by month and offers pratical wisdom and a seasonal craft and a nature outing to enjoy. "January Craft: grow Some Sprouts."
This book was a reminder to me, as the Author states, that we are all horticultural therapists when we bring freshly cut flowers to a loved one in the hospital. "There is happiness and peace in these simple acts."
But beyond the plethora of horticulture therapy principles, there is a wealth of knowledge about plants, gardening, including an index of plant names.
I have this book on my coffee table next to a plant of course, and each month I look forward to reading the current month's chapter on nature therapy.
Many thanks to the Author, Erik Keller, NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for the opportunity to read and review this memorable book.