Gardens for the Soul: Sustainable and Stylish Outdoor Spaces

by Sara Bird, Dan Duchars

Gardens for the Soul shows how a sustainable and eco-friendly ethos can be at the heart of creating a beautiful garden, whatever its location or size.

There are a multitude of different ways in which we use our outside spaces, and in Gardens for the Soul Sara Bird and Dan Duchars explore ways to create and style an outdoor haven that will suit your lifestyle. Day Dreamers seek solitude and a therapeutic experience, while Home Harvesters use their garden space to grow flowers or fruit and veggies, Garden Partiers put their outside space to work as an entertaining zone for friends and family, and Great Escapers aim to recreate a chilled vacation vibe at home. Sara and Dan visit real-life yards that fall into these categories, from tiny patios to larger spaces, to glean ideas, tips, and inspiration. With a focus on sustainability and reclaimed materials, there are suggestions for choosing garden elements, from décor to lighting to furnishings and accessories, as well as easy craft projects that add quirky personal touches.

Genres: Gardening, Design, Nonfiction

176 pages, Hardcover

Published February 8, 2022

Reviews

[Lisa Jacobson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book neither particularly helpful or inspiring.

[Amy Chavez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book shows what other people have done with their gardens. When it comes to creating a nice space outside to live among plants, it's always good to look at what others have done. That's all I'd use this book for since a lot of the examples are extremely impractical. Many garden examples (see cover photo) offer no shade, so could really only be used in the evening (or only certain times of the year) or don't address potential problems like falling leaves. One photo showed a writing area where one leg of the chair was off the rug, while the other legs were on the rug (I can't think of anything worse for writing!). Of course, you're not supposed to see these things, and one should just appreciate the photos for what they are: ideas. And ideas only.

[Christy Chance · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book on outdoor spaces! I love creating outdoor living spaces. This book isn’t focused on the cookie cutter pottery barn inspired designs. Instead it features more eco friendly ideas, repurposing things you already have, and items with outdoor sustainability. I found a plethora of ideas I’m looking forward to implementing in my outdoor spaces this summer!

[Erin Hsu · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I make plans for my garden, I’m gathering inspiration from various sources. This book is well thought, yet whimsical designs using what you have or can find locally to pull together the most comfortable outdoor spaces.
One day, my garden will look like these pictures.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

The authors have created some nice spaces using thrift store or vintage finds. I do like the idea of having living rooms outdoors, too. It just did not match my taste, and I didn’t find many ideas I wanted to adopt.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice pictures of various gardens.

[Liz Bryne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book. I have severe garden envy now!

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved reading about gardens and looking at the photographs.

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some nice ideas in this book