Subtitled ‘An Irish Garden Memoir of Making a Place Where Life Grows’, this small book has a great message. It tells the story of how a man (the author) managed, with help from many people, to set up gardens that allow cultivation to reside in mutual and positive cooperation with wildlife and wild flowers.

Told in the first person, it describes the journey of good luck, difficulty, teamwork, and individual effort that created positive community space for both appreciation of the natural world and the provision of good, natural foods.

It’s an inspirational, honest, and hopeful story about what can be practically achieved by the leadership of a caring person supported by family, friends, and others who care for their community activities to benefit the whole.

There is a simplicity about the tale that overrides the complexities sometimes actually faced. Wry humour lightens darker moments. The author, and others involved, find the means and methods to resolve both everyday and unexpected issues arising and threatening progress toward the objectives.

An uplifting read with a positive message and practical examples that can be applied to almost any community ambition, and one I’m very pleased to have encountered.