Growing gardens.
Cultivating joy.
I'm Marion Owen--author, gardener, educator, and lifelong student of the natural world.
For more than 40 years, I've helped people discover the joy of growing things-and the lessons gardens quietly teach us about gratitude, resilience, kindness, and simply being alive.
New Book • Coming May 1, 2027
Cultivating Joy Through Gardening
365 Daily Meditations
A year's worth of uplifting stories and reflections that reveal the joy, wisdom, and hope waiting for us in the garden—and in everyday life.
Chicken Soup for the
Gardener's Soul
101 Stories to Nurture the Spirits of Gardeners
Marion co-authored the book with Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Cindy Buck, Carol Sturgulewski, Pat Stone and Cynthia Brian.
“We read through thousands of stories. Some brought us to tears, others left us so inspired we wanted to grab a shovel and change the world.”
— Marion Owen
A Story From The Garden
Healing War Wounds
One particular story was about a young, paralyzed Vietnam War veteran and his journey toward healing, thanks to a simple plant.
One spring day, a horticultural therapist placed a small glass jar, filled with damp potting soil, beside the patient's bed and planted five bean seeds…
Read More
A year in a Kodiak Garden
365 days of growing on an island in the North Pacific.
Follow along on Instagram >
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Here are some early reviews:
“Marion's stories invite us to slow down and experience renewal and healing by connecting with the people and the natural world around us.”
Kathy N.
Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
“Laugh and cry! Marion Owen has hit another home run! What an eye for gardening's best stories!”
Jeff Lowenfels
Author of the longest-running garden column in North America
“What a beautiful gift for the world. Marion's stories are close to the heart, profound, and packed with meaning and purpose.”
Sarah C.
Anchorage, Alaska
Watch & listen
More Speaking & media >
as seen on pbs
Kodiak Gardener Uses Compost to
Heal the Island's Ashy Soil
Marion gives a tour of her Kodiak garden.
as heard on the beet
Gardening in Zone Zero
My interview on Epic Gardening's podcast, The Beet.
Stay in Touch
Join me for garden stories, inspiration, practical growing ideas, and news about Cultivating Joy Through Gardening.
