This book is an exploration of the ordinary garden nature most gardeners spend their time at odds with - pests and weeds. By observing her reactions to such species, it came as a shock to Alison Ensor, nature lover and permaculture gardener, that she too was separating from nature when in conflict with it.

Taking an insightful look into why we believe this fallacy of separation, Ensor intertwines her personal story with the human journey from indigenous belonging to modern disconnection. In particular she looks at the ecological role of maligned species we separate ourselves from the most, highlighting the systems’ intelligence in even the most mundane, like slugs, snails, bindweed and brambles.

Describing how closely observing and inwardly sensing plants and wildlife led to her own emotional healing and awakening, she gives step-by-step guides for the reader to find this wisdom for themselves. Ensor believes we are continually being ‘gardened’ by nature, that the messages our bodies give us through emotional reactions and inner sensations are guiding us to the emergence of our true nature – awakened beings living in natural harmony with ourselves, each other and our home planet.