Stories & Books

Welcome to Stories and Books—a cozy spot where words and gardens meet—a beautiful pairing, like dark chocolate and raspberries.

Here, I share personal stories, many of them from my upcoming book, Cultivating Joy Through Gardening: 365 Daily Meditations. Think of them as little snippets from the garden—woven with reflections, life lessons (we all have them!), and those small moments that make you want to hit the pause button.

You’ll also find books I love to recommend—from cookbooks to biographies—titles that have inspired me, taught me something new, or made me smile.

Writing has been part of my gardening journey for decades. (A dear friend calls my style “folksy.” I’ll take that as a compliment!) I was also fortunate enough to co-author the New York Times bestseller Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul, a collection that celebrates the heart and humor of gardeners everywhere.

I hope you find something here that speaks to you—a story that makes you smile, a book that sparks an idea, or a thought you carry with you into your day.

Marion Owen

If you’ve ever felt frustrated with gardening—I’ve been there. When I started over 40 years ago, I was full of self-doubt. But with time (and plenty of compost), I found my way. I even co-authored the New York Times bestseller Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul—and now I help gardeners around the world grow with more confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or starting over, I’m here to help. Every gardener has a dream. And since you’re here, I believe you have one, too. Welcome.

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Want a little more garden joy?

Each week, I send out The UpBeet Gardener newsletter—a relaxed, down-to-earth note filled with helpful tips, stories, recipes, videos, interviews, and bits of inspiration.

It’s like a friendly visit from your gardening neighbor—minus the muddy boots.

And if it’s not your thing? You can unsubscribe anytime. We’ll still be friends.

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