This book explores the profound connection between gardening and mental well-being, investigating how engaging with nature can alleviate stress, depression, and addiction. It synthesizes contemporary neuroscience, psychoanalysis, and personal narratives to demonstrate the transformative power of working with the natural world. The author draws on illuminating stories of individuals who have reshaped their lives through gardening, highlighting the science, insight, and anecdote behind this restorative practice. The book argues that our appreciation for nature's healing capabilities is still in its early stages of development.

The book is highly acclaimed, with Stephen Fry calling it 'the wisest book I've read for many years,' emphasizing its dual nature as more than just a gardening book or a mental health guide. It was recognized as a Best Book of 2020 by The Sunday Times and The Times. The work is praised for its powerful combination of scientific research and compelling storytelling, illustrating the radical impact of gardening on personal well-being. Its broad appeal is evidenced by its translation into fifteen languages.