How Plants Can Save Your Life: 50 Inspirational Ideas for Planting and Growing

This lighthearted outing by horticulturist Cameron (Environmental Horticulture) enumerates ways that readers can use plants to improve their lives. “We need green spaces to relax and feel fulfilled, to experience the joy and wonder nature can bring,” he writes. In his exploration of how to boost one’s mood and health with flora, he touts the benefits of a plant-heavy diet and recommends growing cabbage because of its anti-inflammatory properties and such herbs as parsley and thyme because they have antioxidants that protect against cell damage. He provides tips for growing flowers, noting that “lilies like a rich, free-draining soil” and that larger tulip bulbs are more likely to flower sooner than smaller ones. Some entries are light on specifics, as when he suggests that working with soil exposes gardeners to diverse bacteria that benefit the gut’s microbiome but doesn’t specify how. Additionally, not all the claims check out, as when Cameron suggests that because plants “talk” to each other via chemical signals, it’s somehow “good for you and good for them” when humans speak to their plants. Still, playful suggestions to climb a tree, listen to birdsongs, and collect plant specimens spark a sense of childlike joy. There’s not much in the way of substance or science, but readers looking for ways to get in touch with nature will find some fun ideas. (May)