working in the garden, Jenny’s friendly tone and concrete suggestions for how to begin -- no matter how slowly -- will inspire and motivate you. Moreover, the story of how Jenny used her love of gardening as a tool in her own recovery struck a chord in me, as it will surely do for you.”
~ Denise Mickelsen, Gardening Acquisitions Editor, Craftsy
“Having cancer affects life in ways that people who have never experienced it could never imagine. In The Cancer Survivor’s Garden Companion, Jenny Peterson draws on her love of gardening and shares how it inspired her and helped carry her through her own challenging experience with the disease. Brutally honest at times, and endearing at others, no one tells it like it is the way Jenny does, and offers solutions and celebrations that not only help those dealing with cancer, but also anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed with life. This book is 192 pages filled with hope and encouragement.”
~ Kylee Baumle, co-author of Indoor Plant Décor, book review editor for Horticulture magazine
“Jenny writes from the heart, with hard-won knowledge, about living with and surviving cancer – all with the help of her beloved garden, which during her treatment and recovery offered daily moments of beauty and spiritual and emotional healing. ‘Allow your garden to bring you joy,’ she advises fellow gardeners living with cancer. In this hopeful yet practical guide, she shows how a garden can soothe and heal.”
~ Pam Penick, landscape designer and author of Lawn Gone!
“At the best of times, a garden is a place of joy, action and energy; in times of stress, it can be a haven of peace, solace and perspective. In her book, Jenny Peterson skillfully weaves first-hand experience with practical advice on engaging with a garden for mental, spiritual and physical renewal – as a way to cope with the process of diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Her gentle, encouraging style will surely be a gift to seasoned gardeners struggling with limited time and energy, as well as not-yet-gardeners looking for a way to connect with the healing power of the outdoors.”
~ Nancy J. Ondra, garden writer, author of Five Plant Gardens
The
Cancer Survivor’s
Garden Companion
The
Cancer Survivor’s
Garden Companion
CULTIVATING HOPE, HEALING AND JOY IN THE GROUND BENEATH YOUR FEET
Jenny Peterson
PITTSBURGH
The Cancer Survivor’s Garden Companion
Cultivating Hope, Healing and Joy in the Ground Beneath Your Feet
Copyright © 2016 by Jenny Peterson
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmittedin any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewerwho may quote brief passages for review purposes.
ISBN-13: 978-0-9892688-9-9
Library of Congress Control Number: 2015947990
CIP information available upon request
First Edition, 2016
St. Lynn’s Press • POB 18680 • Pittsburgh, PA 15236
412.381.9933 • www.stlynnspress.com
Book design – Holly Rosborough
Editor – Catherine Dees
Photo credits:
All photos are by Jenny Peterson except for the following:
Brett Davis – xviii, xx, 12, 22, 25, 26, 29, 76, 83, 158-159, 169; Bill Bastas – 2, 3, 4 (left), 5 (top), 7, 8, 11, 32, 94, 97, 108; Kylee Baumle – xii; Tom Urban – 78, 85; Michael Urban – 86, 87-88, 89, 90-91; Bonnie Plants – 35, 48, 50, 52, 53 (all), 57, 62 (top), 166, 171; Ruby Cortez – 4 (right); Beth Bizer - 23; Christy Ten Eyck – 36, 44; Naomi Sachs – 42 (top left); Linda Lehmusvirta – 101; Patti Waldrup – 103; Michael Moreno – 138; Lisa Jennings - 147 (bottom left); Michael Paolini – 157 (top); Shawna Coronado – 160; Holly Rosborough – across from Table of Contents, 66 (bottom left), 74 (top right), 106, 111, 112 (bottom left), 151, 171
Graphic Background Embellishments: Design by www.123Freevectors.com
DISCLAIMER
The author and publisher expressly disclaim any responsibility for any adverse effects occurring as a result of the suggestions or information herein. The information in this book is based on the author’s personal thoughts and experience, and is not intended to be a substitute for the medical advice of a licensed, trained physician or health professional. For all medical questions, the reader should consult the appropriate health care practitioners.
Printed in China
On certified FSC recycled paper using soy-based inks
This title and all of St. Lynn’s Press books may be purchased for educational, business or sales promotional use. For information please write:
Special Markets Department . St. Lynn’s Press . POB 18680 . Pittsburgh, PA 15236
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Dedicated with great love in memory of my parents
Richard Nybro
(1925-1999, liver cancer)
and
Jennie Andreasen Nybro
(1929-1989, breast cancer)
who taught us all how to live with grace and joy regardless of circumstance.
And in profound gratitude for my children
Maxwell and Luke
who teach me daily how to live with humor and a sense of possibility.
Table of Contents
Introduction: The Garden That Heals
