annieb123's Review of Leaf Your Troubles Behind

by Karen Hugg

In today's world of technological advancements, political polarization, the responsibilities of life and career, and the unending world of social media chatter, many of us are stressed out, inside all the time, and yearning for peace.

After certified horticulturalist and master pruner Karen Hugg discovered the miraculous effects of peaceful planting on her own life, she wondered whether these powerful benefits were limited to people who had a garden. Can apartment dwellers heal from their stress with either a small or no outdoor area? Is it possible to create a soothing green space indoors with houseplants? And, for those who are either physically unable or uninclined to grow plants, could they benefit as well by mimicking a green space through photos and decor? According to the growing amount of scientific research about the healing effects of nature, the answer is yes.

Leaf Your Troubles Behind shows readers how to discover nature's healing effects to reduce stress and increase happiness. This practical and inspiring book puts forth the concept of "Green Leisure", an original and approachable system for dialing into nature's healing via seven basic destressing strategies. Composed of relatable stories, insightful scientific research, and fun, easy-to-do exercises for beginners and experts alike, this guide to houseplants and their profound impact will be a refreshing oasis in our mostly indoor world of work, school, and home where screens, not nature, dominate our lives.

Through stories, science, and easily replicable exercises, Leaf Your Troubles Behind offers detailed how-to advice on creating your own plant-oriented space to unlock and maintain the power of nature at home.

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Leaf Your Troubles Behind is a reassuring and interesting volume about de-stressing and the positive mental health benefits to be found in interacting with plants and nature written and presented by Karen Hugg. Due out 15th July 2022 from Prometheus Books, it's 256 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

Taking time to work with an enjoy plants has been shown to have a positive effect on mental health. The last few years have been tough on most of the planet with isolation, stress, economic challenges, job stresses, and all the other negatives of the pandemic. This book does its small part to help readers find the time and techniques necessary to interact with houseplants and flowers.

I liked that the author emphasizes play and enjoyment and less strictly goal-oriented techniques. This is not so much a how-to guide as a manual for enjoyment and possibly improving readers' happiness and mental health.

The first section of the book helps readers examine their own motivations and desires in building and maintaining a green space. The following chapters explore the value of playing with plants, meeting up with like minded people (including an uplifting account of Ron Finley's successful fight with city hall), embracing and enhancing our mental spaces. The final section of the book is a synthesis of the techniques and tutorials provided in the earlier parts and discusses methods of selection and growth and how to interact with plants in a -non-stressful manner (since being stressed about the choices and processes negates the entire point of the book).

This is a very well written and practical book. It's a bit diffuse and philosophical in places. It's not full of instructions and the illustrations are sparing and drawn, not photographed. The entire vibe is laid back, gentle, and contemplative.

Four stars. This would make a good choice for public or school library acquisition, gift giving, or possibly for the houseplant enthusiasts' home library.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Leaf Your Troubles Behind

by Karen Hugg

Reviewed by annieb123 on Jul 12, 2022

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