A Conversation with Sue Stuart Smith

Learn about the transformative positive power of gardening on mental health in this conversation with Sue Stuart Smith, together with Emily Bernhardt, about the lessons Sue has learned through her work and in sharing her message with the world.

Sue Stuart Smith is a psychiatrist, psychotherapist and author of The Well Gardened Mind, listed as one of the 37 best books of 2020 by The Times and gardening book of the year by The Sunday Times. In a powerful combination of contemporary neuroscience, psychoanalysis and brilliant storytelling, The Well Gardened Mind investigates the magic that many gardeners have known for years – working with nature can radically transform our health, well-being and confidence.

Sue Stuart-Smith tells brilliant, illuminating stories of people struggling with stress, depression, trauma and addiction, from asylum seekers to veterans, inner-city young people to the retired. This is a glorious book of science, insight and anecdote that shows how our understanding of nature and its restorative powers is only just beginning to flower.

Emily Bernhardt, James B. Duke Distinguished professor at Duke University, is an ecosystem ecologist and biogeochemist whose research is principally concerned with understanding how ecosystem change can be mitigated or prevented through active ecosystem management.

Fee: free; registration recommended due to room capacity. Parking fees apply.