Sarah Parkhouse spent most of her professional life as a busy lawyer in a large law firm in the City of London. The pace was fast and there was plenty of pressure. The decision to buy an old house in a quiet corner of Normandy, complete with a large garden, brought a marked change of tempo. This book is inspired by the time she has spent in the garden, slowly coming to appreciate the wisdom to be found there.

All those natural world metaphors much loved in the workplace started to become real as she came to spend more and more time in mud and weeds. This book captures her thoughts as she reflects on the workplace, and what we can learn about navigating our way through its challenges from time spent outside, listening to what the garden has to teach us.

Gently wise, at times humorous, always honest, this beautifully written book provides space for the reader to reflect, slow down, pause. It is a refreshing take on the traditional management handbook and is all the better for that.