How to Make a Plant Love You

July 1, 2019

Environmental scientist and entrepreneur Oakes (SugarDetoxMe; Style, Naturally) founded Homestead Brooklyn and created a weekly YouTube series, a houseplant masterclass, and a website to share her knowledge and enthusiasm about plants. Enthralled by the natural world since childhood, Oakes now currently cares for more than 750 plants in her small Brooklyn apartment. Here Oakes shares the benefits of caring for plants, including cleaner air, lower stress levels, and the pleasure of being surrounded by living things to nurture. She encourages readers to explore the history and needs of the plants they keep and to really look at plants wherever they go, whether it be in a nature area or growing in a crack in a city sidewalk. Chapters contain personal stories of people and their plants and end with exercises to complete to enhance one's relationship with plants. While not a book on the specifics of growing houseplants, the title briefly covers their light, soil, and water needs and suggests plants for different locations. VERDICT Readers interested in exploring botany, the history, importance, and uses of plants, and ways to engage with the natural world wherever they may live will enjoy this intriguing book.--Sue O'Brien, Downers Grove, IL

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