10 Books to Inspire Your Love of Gardens and Gardening
It's National Gardening Week!
With the weather warming up it's the perfect time to celebrate the grassy, leafy, humble and much-loved garden. Whether you've got a balcony, an allotment, or acres of land, spending some time cultivating a few plants can be a brilliant pastime.
So for novices and experienced gardeners alike, we've put together a great bunch of books that feature gardening and gardens in all their glory. There's something here for everyone.
1. The Well Gardened Mind by Sue Stuart-Smith
A recent book of the month here at Listening Books, discover how gardening relieves stress and helps us look after our mental health. Using a powerful combination of contemporary neuroscience, psychoanalysis and brilliant storytelling, The Well Gardened Mind investigates the magic that many gardeners have known for years – working with nature can radically transform our health, wellbeing and confidence.
The Well Gardened Mind by Sue Stuart-smith is available for members to borrow here.
2. My Garden World by Monty Don
If seeing Monty Don (and his gorgeous golden retriever Ned) on Gardeners World every Friday night isn’t enough for you then follow him as he takes us on a journey month by month, season by season through the natural year. Whether you live in the countryside or the town, Monty's observations and insights are relevant to each and every one of us. My Garden World is Monty Don's personal journey observed from the immediate world around him.
My Garden World by Monty Don is available for members to borrow here.
3. All My Wild Mothers by Victoria Bennett
Stone by stone, seed by seed, All My Wild Mothers is the story of how sometimes life grows, not in spite of what is broken, but because of it. Struggling with grief, the demands of being a parent-carer for her young son, and the impact of deeper austerity, life for Victoria Bennett feels very different to the future she had imagined. A move to a new social housing estate in rural Cumbria offers her family a chance to rebuild their lives. At first the barren ground seems an unlikely place to sow the seeds of a new life but Victoria and her son set about transforming the rubble around them into a wild apothecary garden.
All My Wild Mothers by Victoria Bennett is available to borrow here.
4. Gardeners' Question Time by the BBC
If you are looking for something quick but informative to listen to then why not try this exclusive Gardeners' Question Time compilation which offers all-year round advice on everything from plants and planting to pests, diseases, design and seasonally topical tips. You’ll be a gardening expert in no time!
Gardeners' Question Time by the BBC is available to borrow here.
5. A Guide to British Garden Birds by Stephen Moss
Have you ever wanted to know which birds are visiting your garden? A Guide to British Garden Birds is a helpful, practical guide to help you sort out your Blue tits from your Great Tits and your Hedge Sparrows from your Tree Sparrows. Join Brett, Stephen and wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson who, armed with an array of microphones, allow listeners to eavesdrop on the songs, calls and alarm cries of the birds in a Somerset garden.
A Guide to British Garden Birds by Stephen Moss is available to borrow here.
6. Teaming with Microbes by Jeff Lowenfels
If you are interested in organic gardening then this is a must listen. Discover how to keep your soil healthy and teaming with beneficial bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms. This guide is for everyone, from those devoted to organic gardening techniques to weekend gardeners who simply want to grow healthy plants without resorting to chemicals.
Teaming with Microbes by Jeff Lowenfels is available to borrow here.
7. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Possibly the most famous book involving a garden, The Secret Garden has delighted readers for over a century. Reread or discover this children’s classic for the first time and follow Mary, Colin and Dickon as they explore the secret garden hidden in the grounds of Mary’s Uncle’s house.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett is available to borrow here.
8. Cool As A Cucumber by Michael Morpurgo
One of Michael Morpurgo’s lesser known children’s books, Cool as a Cucumber follows Peter as he is tasked by his teacher with digging a vegetable garden to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee. As he starts to dig up more and more interesting items, his task becomes more exciting than he ever imagined. An enthralling gardening read for KS1 and KS2 children.
Cool As A Cucumber by Michael Morpurgo is available to borrow here.
9. We Are The Gardeners by Joanne Gaines
If you want to introduce children into gardening then this short picture book is the ideal place to start. It follows a family as they learn how to care for their first houseplant before setting their sights on a larger challenge - to create a beautiful garden. The theme of resilience flows through the story and will encourage any budding gardeners to plant their first seed.
We Are The Gardeners by Joanne Gaines is available to borrow here.
10. Gardening Magazines on Pressreader
Did you know you can read or listen to magazines through the Pressreader service included in your Listening Books membership? You will find the latest additions of your favourite gardening magazines including Gardeners World, Kitchen Garden, and Garden News. It’s a fantastic way to keep up the date with all the gardening tips, trends and ideas you could possibly need! Click here to find out more about accessing newspapers and magazines via Pressreader.
We hope you find something for you and your family among these books featuring gardening, gardens, and great gardeners. Maybe they'll inspire you to get out in the great outdoors, or perhaps bring you a little bit of garden-like calm to take with you wherever you are.
Originally published on 10/04/2017 by Holly Newson.
Updated: 09/04/2025 by Rebecca Whatton
