In today's world of technological advancements, political polarization, the responsibilities of life and career, and the unending world of social media chatter, many of us are stressed out, inside all the time, and yearning for peace. After certified horticulturalist and master pruner Karen Hugg discovered the miraculous effects of peaceful planting on her own life, she wondered whether these powerful benefits were limited to people who had a garden. Can apartment dwellers heal from their stress with either a small or no outdoor area? Is it possible to create a soothing green space indoors with houseplants? And, for those who are either physically unable or uninclined to grow plants, could they benefit as well by mimicking a green space through photos and decor? According to the growing amount of scientific research about the healing effects of nature, the answer is yes. Leaf Your Troubles Behind shows readers how to discover nature's healing effects to reduce stress and increase happiness. This practical and inspiring book puts forth the concept of "Green Leisure", an original and approachable system for dialing into nature's healing via seven basic destressing strategies. Composed of relatable stories, insightful scientific research, and fun, easy-to-do exercises for beginners and experts alike, this guide to houseplants and their profound impact will be a refreshing oasis in our mostly indoor world of work, school, and home where screens, not nature, dominate our lives. Through stories, science, and easily replicable exercises, Leaf Your Troubles Behind offers detailed how-to advice on creating your own plant-oriented space to unlock and maintain the power of nature at home.

Michael Moore, renowned herbalist, teacher, and author of several medicinal plant books, presents a one-of-a-kind guide to over 300 species of plants geographically ranging from Baja California to Alaska. This uniquely attractive book educates the reader to both native and introduced species within this region. With over eighty line drawings, forty-four colour photographs, maps, and a glossary, this book contains clear and reliable information on: Identification and safe use of the plants; Appearance, habitats, collecting methods, and storage; Therapeutic uses, constituents, and preparations; Potential toxicities and medical contraindications; Tea-making, tincturing, and salve making.'

Bees play a vital and irreplaceable role in pollinating our flowers, fruits and vegetables. The more bees in your garden the healthier, more productive and more pleasant a place it will be. Yet bees are declining rapidly and many people, even if they do not wish to keep bees themselves, are asking what can be done on an individual basis to help the bee. This book is a response to that request. It will demonstrate in one accessible volume how each of us can play our part in providing a bee-friendly environment, no matter how much gardening space and/or time we may have. It includes: * How bees forage, what bees you can expect to find in your garden and what plants are best for them. * Why honey bees are so important; what they need to thrive and how they detect and access those requirements; and what varieties of plants are best suited to provide those needs. * How the gardener can offer and maintain a bee-friendly garden, followed by a season-by-season account of what beefriendly plants are in flower and when, and what jobs the gardener can be doing during these times to help bees thrive. * A gazetteer of selected bee-friendly plants, arranged by type of plant in seasonal sub-sections. * Illustrative, practical planting plans, including a culinary herb garden, a potager, a wild flower garden, and a 3 seasons traditional border.