Schar offers his own tried-and-true cure for the stressed out: a return to nature through gardening. As modern people, Schar maintains, we confront no more stress than our ancestors did; we simply have lost the means to cope with it. Gardening--specifically the creation of personalized, private garden retreats--restores our connection with nature, allowing us to unwind and re-energize at the same time. Drawing upon a wealth of knowledge as a gardener and herbalist, Schar demonstrates that creating a personal backyard Eden need not be Herculean task. Each chapter is organized around a stress-relieving "theme" garden. His something-for-everyone approach includes the herb-based tonic garden, the aromatic scent garden, as well as gardens featuring flowers, fruits, vegetables, water, and--as the title suggests--compost. Illustrations enhance clear instructions for making the garden area private, preparing the soil, and establishing and tending hardy, low-maintenance plantings. To make the process even easier, the author recommends helpful books and provides lists of convenient mail-order suppliers for each type of garden. Since gardening's full therapeutic benefits are best reaped by regular contact, Schar also includes "stress-ercises, " stress-reducing practices to perform during your daily garden experience. Recipes for soothing teas, tonics, oils, and meals made from garden produce complete this holistic approach to stress reduction.