Grounding: Finding Home in a Garden

Lulah Ellender's garden in Sussex is an unruly but beloved place. After losing her mother, she is forced to leave the rented house she has made her home, but before long she finds herself back in the garden, tidying, planning, and planting. She explores the broader relationship between gardener and garden, from artistic figures such as Vita Sackville-West, Virginia Woolf, and Frida Kahlo to the long-gone inhabitants of a ruined village nearby. This book offers a deep and moving insight on motherhood, letting go, and how our gardens can help us.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2023
Publisher: Granta Books

Lulah Ellender's garden in Sussex is an untamed yet cherished haven. However, it is not solely hers to claim. Shortly after the loss of her mother, Lulah receives news that her family might be forced to leave the rented house they have called home. In the face of this impending upheaval, Lulah's initial reaction is to freeze, allowing her cherished plants to wither and neglect. Yet, as time passes, she finds herself drawn back to the garden, tending to its needs, planning for the future, and planting seeds, even though she may not be present to witness their growth.

Drawing upon her deep connection with this small plot of land in Sussex, as well as her visits to renowned gardens like Charleston and Sissinghurst, Lulah delves into the intricate relationship between gardener and garden. She explores the ways in which nurturing the soil, growing plants, and attuning to the ceaseless rhythms of nature can aid us in navigating uncertainty and finding a sense of belonging, grounding, and ultimately, a temporal place on Earth.

This lyrical exploration unfolds in a captivating manner, offering a profound and moving insight into motherhood, letting go, and the transformative power of gardens. Through her experiences and observations, Lulah invites readers to reflect on the connections between themselves, their gardens, and the broader world around them.

A much-needed book, "The Garden of Letting Go" provides a profound and moving exploration of motherhood, loss, and the healing potential of gardens. Written by Kathy Clugston, this book offers a deep and relatable perspective on the challenges and joys of motherhood, encouraging readers to embrace the transformative power of letting go and finding solace in the beauty of nature.

Alice Vincent, the author of "Rootbound," praises "The Garden of Letting Go" as a "much-needed book that offers a deep and moving insight on motherhood, letting go, and how our gardens can help us." Vincent highlights the book's ability to provide a profound and moving insight into motherhood, loss, and the healing potential of gardens, stating that it is a "much-needed book that offers a deep and moving insight on motherhood, letting go, and how our gardens can help us."

In conclusion, "The Garden of Letting Go" is a captivating and thought-provoking book that delves into the intricate relationship between gardeners, gardens, and the human experience. Through Lulah's journey and observations, this book offers a profound and moving exploration of motherhood, loss, and the healing power of nature. Whether you are a gardener or simply someone seeking solace and reflection, this book is a must-read that will leave a lasting impact on your heart and mind.

Weight: 214g
Dimension: 197 x 130 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783786992