Growing by Ramona Jones – A year of living and nurturing with the seasons
Many readers will know Ramona from her gorgeous, uplifting social media, including her instagram account @Monalogue which has over 1 million followers. I started following Ramona a few years ago on the recommendation of my daughter Caitlin, and love her posts: glimpses of Beatrix Potter-esque scenes from her country cottage in south west England, complete with some of the best behaved ducks I have ever seen! The images and reels are calming and inspiring, a lovely antidote to much of modern living.
Growing by Ramona Jones
In the introduction, Ramona explains her journey, her autism diagnosis aged 27, and how she came to be so connected with growing a garden and, through this, growing as a person herself.
“Over the years I’ve found solace in gardening, which allowed me to discover who I truly am.” Ramona Jones
Described as “a love letter and gentle guide to the power of nurturing – flora, fauna and yourself – in whatever outdoor space you have”, this enchanting book is so pleasurable to read that I read it on one sitting.
is beautifully illustrated with photography by her husband Aaron Gibson, but it is not a lovely coffee table-type book. The author’s voice and personality shines through, as she shares advice and experience from tending her own cottage garden, which is filled year round with flowers and vegetables. The garden is a haven for wildlife, grown with care for the environment.
A gorgeous, informative book
Written in the style of a journal, useful and detailed practical gardening advice is intertwined with Ramona’s observations and reflections throughout the year. The book is organised seasonally, making it accessible for readers wherever in the world they are located. In addition to seasonal gardening tasks and ideas, there are also interesting, affordable and achievable garden projects.
The author finds her garden, and gardening, to be a place of escapism and calm. She describes how this creates “glimmers”: moments of intense joy, an antidote to the sensory chaos that can be experienced in the world. This will resonate with all who garden, or enjoy being in nature, recognising the delight one can feel observing perhaps the first shoots in spring, or watching bees feeding on summer flowers.
The book helpfully includes space to write your own seasonal notes, a very useful glossary (especially helpful for those new to gardening, and unfamiliar with some of the terms) and a sowing/planting schedule for people gardening in different climates.
A book for all who love gardens
Growing is the kind of book you will return to again and again, for inspiration, advice and seasonal tips. It would make a lovely gift for anyone who is embarking on their own growing journey, or to inspire more seasoned gardeners.
“Over the years, I’ve found solace in gardening, which has allowed me to discover who I truly am. If my mental health feels turbulent, the seasonal rhythm in the garden is a predictable and reassuring constant. Through this book I hope to help you nurture your personal journey through the act of gardening. If you have never gardened before and are feeling intimidated at the thought of getting started, this book will give you permission to begin.” Ramona Jones
Growing was longlisted for the Wainwright Prize in 2025.
More information about Ramona & her work
Ramona is also the author of Escape Into Cottagecore: Embrace Country Countryside Comfort in Your Everyday.
Growing is published by Ebury, and available from all good bookshops.
Images used in this review are copyright Ramona Jones and Aaron Gibson.
There is an interesting article here by Ramona: Endless Opportunity to Focus: How Gardening Can Help With Autism
Ramona discusses her book and gardening in this podcast with Roots and All
Ramona’s You Tube channel @monalogue
Her instagram @monalogue
(There’s also a TikTok but I have yet to work out how to use TikTok!!)
Reviewing your product, book, event, etc
An expert in the field of sustainable gardening, food and homesteading, I review books, events, hospitality (restaurants, hotels etc), tools and products.
I also judge products and books for awards and magazines. These include Garden Media Guild, Guild of Food Writers, Soil Association BOOM Awards and Grow Your Own Awards at GLEE.
Please contact me if you would like me to consider reviewing your product.
Full disclosure
I received a review copy of Growing by Ramona Jones. I was not paid to write the review and this is an unbiased review – although for full disclosure Ramona did go to the same school as my daughter’s partner (!)
Links
Some of the links in this review are affiliate. I may receive a small percentage if you buy using these links, and this helps to pay for the costs of my website. The book is also available on other online shops and in real life small bookstores. Smaller book stores will be able to order Growing in for you. This helps to keep local economies thriving.