Down to Earth

Yesterday was the day that Monty Don’s new book ‘Down to Earth’ was available to buy and I hope you’ve managed to bag yourself a copy because it is a beauty of a book… and if you haven’t grabbed one yet I highly recommend that you do! Here’s a link to the official publishing website https://www.dk.com/uk/9780241318270-down-to-earth/

As you all know I was lucky enough to be invited to the official book launch at the Ham Yard Hotel in Soho, London for cocktails and canapes on Saturday. The event was magical and I met so many lovely fellow bloggers, the DK team were amazing and the cocktails were beautiful too (see previous blog post all about the day http://www.lavenderandleeks.co.uk/the-monty-don-book-launch/) However, the highlight of the day had to be meeting the man himself, Monty Don! Enough of the event though, right now I’m here to tell you all about the book and there’s a few inspiring quotes I want to share with you all too…

But I believe that all good gardens are as much about the people that make them as the plants growing in them. You are an integral part of your garden. It will not exist without you.

Monty said “I started making notes on what I felt were the really important things about gardening and they weren’t practical they were tending to be philosophical.” The results are a book full with guidance, advice and ideas as well as little anecdotes about why we garden. “If it helps you realise what you want in your garden then that’s the promise of it other than telling you what you ought to do”.

The chapters are short and clearly marked for quick references when needed and there’s an ever so handy montly guide at the back. It’s full with beautiful photographs too which I think are nearly as important as the words. I’ve managed to read small areas of the book but can’t wait to get my teeth into it. So I’ll leave you with one of my favourite quotes from the book so far…

Life is short and absurd and run through with pain and sorrow. But even in the face of real suffering, gardening can make our days shine with joy. Gardens heal. When you are sad, a garden comforts. When you are humiliated or defeated, a garden consoles. When you are lonely, it offers companionship that is true and lasting. When you are weary, your garden will soothe and refresh you.