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A Fig at the Gate
In A Fig at the Gate, author Kate Llewellyn, now in her seventies, embraces a new phase in her life, asking the question, 'How does one live well?'
Following the joyful crafting of her gardens in the Blue Mountains (The Waterlily) and north of Wollongong (Playing with Water), Kate creates a new garden near the sea in Adelaide, planting olives, plums, limes and blood oranges, learning how to keep poultry, setting a duck on eggs. Delight and enrichment come with the learning of new skills, being close to family and old friends, long companionable beach walks, rediscovering old recipes, food and wine.
Wise and joyful, accepting what she cannot change while relishing what she has, Kate shares the beauties and frailties of the human condition and shows us what the gifts of ageing can bring.
Following the joyful crafting of her gardens in the Blue Mountains (The Waterlily) and north of Wollongong (Playing with Water), Kate creates a new garden near the sea in Adelaide, planting olives, plums, limes and blood oranges, learning how to keep poultry, setting a duck on eggs. Delight and enrichment come with the learning of new skills, being close to family and old friends, long companionable beach walks, rediscovering old recipes, food and wine.
Wise and joyful, accepting what she cannot change while relishing what she has, Kate shares the beauties and frailties of the human condition and shows us what the gifts of ageing can bring.
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2014
11 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Kate Llewellyn
28 books22 followersKate Llewellyn is the author of nineteen books, including the bestselling The Waterlily: A Blue Mountains Journal and Playing With Water: A Story of a Garden. A distinguished Australian poet, she has published six books of poetry and is the co-editor of The Penguin Book of Australian Women Poets. Her travel books include Lilies, Feathers & Frangipani on the Cook Islands and New Zealand; Angels and Dark Madonnas on India and Italy; and Gorillas, Tea & Coffee: An African Sketchbook. Her books The Floral Mother & Other Essays, The Waterlily and Playing With Water have been made into talking books
She is one of Australia’s bestselling authors...
She is one of Australia’s bestselling authors...
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 26, 2015
Books are wonderful things - an escape from reality, a dash of excitement, a very effective way to travel to other worlds and sometimes they are a way to spend time with a friend that you actually don’t have in your real life.
For me, that’s what A Fig at the Gate is. I don’t know anyone who is creating a garden with fruit trees and chooks. I love gardening and although I’ll never have chooks or fruit trees, I enjoyed reading about Kate Llewellyn’s journey of creating a garden back in South Australia where she grew up.
Her honesty about ageing is refreshing too and it’s comforting, somehow to hear about another’s experiences as they journey ahead of you. Take for instance: “Watching myself age is like watching an explosion far out in a calm sea. So peculiar, so irrationally unexpected. Of course I knew I would age and for some decades I watched the process wryly with a bit of shrug. But now that real old age has arrived, I see that I did not really expect it at all. It is a paradox. I knew it was coming but I didn’t believe it.” So irrationally unexpected. I can relate to that but have never articulated my thoughts on the subject so eloquently.
Over the course of four years Llewellyn charts the progress of her garden. Bicycling to get fruit trees, mulch and plants. Experimenting with seeds, rescuing old plants from abandoned houses and making room for hens. She does a lot of jam and chutney making, bird watching and catching rainwater. With poems interleaved with her gardening, this book is a lovely, joyful and wise companion.
For me, that’s what A Fig at the Gate is. I don’t know anyone who is creating a garden with fruit trees and chooks. I love gardening and although I’ll never have chooks or fruit trees, I enjoyed reading about Kate Llewellyn’s journey of creating a garden back in South Australia where she grew up.
Her honesty about ageing is refreshing too and it’s comforting, somehow to hear about another’s experiences as they journey ahead of you. Take for instance: “Watching myself age is like watching an explosion far out in a calm sea. So peculiar, so irrationally unexpected. Of course I knew I would age and for some decades I watched the process wryly with a bit of shrug. But now that real old age has arrived, I see that I did not really expect it at all. It is a paradox. I knew it was coming but I didn’t believe it.” So irrationally unexpected. I can relate to that but have never articulated my thoughts on the subject so eloquently.
Over the course of four years Llewellyn charts the progress of her garden. Bicycling to get fruit trees, mulch and plants. Experimenting with seeds, rescuing old plants from abandoned houses and making room for hens. She does a lot of jam and chutney making, bird watching and catching rainwater. With poems interleaved with her gardening, this book is a lovely, joyful and wise companion.
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October 27, 2014A distinguished Australian poet, Kate Llewellyn has published six books of poetry and is the co-editor of The Penguin Book of Australian Women Poets. She is the author of nineteen books, including Lilies, Feathers & Frangipani on the Cook Islands and New Zealand; Angels and Dark Madonnas on India and Italy; and Gorillas, Tea & Coffee: An African Sketchbook.
A Fig at the Gate is written in the tradition of her bestseller titles The Waterlily: A Blue Mountains Journal and Playing With Water: A Story of a Garden. Now in her seventies, Kate has settled in Adelaide near where she was born and is establishing a new garden to nourish, sustain and delight.
Journal entries chart the evolution of Kate's garden over three years, the planting of plum trees and cabbages, of wisteria, cumquats and rosemary, along with the addition of chickens and ducks.
Kate also shares her musings and learned wisdom on life, aging, family and friendship, her prose interspersed with her poetry.
A Fig at the Gate is warm, gracious and wise chronicle of nature, beauty and life.
*Please note I choose not to rate memoirs*
January 21, 2015
"I used to love nightclubs, now I love nurseries."
That quotation from Kate Llewellyn's "A Fig at the Gate", is a good summary of the book.
Published in 2014, it is subtitled "The joys of friendship, gardening and the gaining of wisdom". The memoir documents a several years in Kate's life in the creation of a new garden, spending time with the oldest of friends and gaining new ones, and the consolations of age.
I wavered between enjoying very much being directly addressed by Llewellyn and reading her personal diary and having an uncomfortable feeling of TMI. I suspect it is because I am starting to feel my age as well. And while I am considerably younger than Kate, I am past the half-way mark by a few years now.
"It may be that gardening creeps up on one when some of the fury of youth falls away."
Some of my discomfort I experienced initially with this work is not the writing or the format (a series of diary entries), but that we see the joys of gardening differently. Llewellyn, initially, sees gardening as a subsitute for sex, I see it more a channelling of the nurturing impulse.
I became less uncomfortable as the years pass (she chronicles 2009-2012). Perhaps the because really we have a simile for a relationship. The initial obsessive and physical joy gives way to the creation and nurturing of new life and the grief of death.
Llewellyn explores the joys of the flesh through her garden as well as the more emotional connection of the company of her family, her oldest friends, creating new life, and making new friends.
I loved that this book made me think and address some of my own assumptions and it gives me hope for my own future.
That quotation from Kate Llewellyn's "A Fig at the Gate", is a good summary of the book.
Published in 2014, it is subtitled "The joys of friendship, gardening and the gaining of wisdom". The memoir documents a several years in Kate's life in the creation of a new garden, spending time with the oldest of friends and gaining new ones, and the consolations of age.
I wavered between enjoying very much being directly addressed by Llewellyn and reading her personal diary and having an uncomfortable feeling of TMI. I suspect it is because I am starting to feel my age as well. And while I am considerably younger than Kate, I am past the half-way mark by a few years now.
"It may be that gardening creeps up on one when some of the fury of youth falls away."
Some of my discomfort I experienced initially with this work is not the writing or the format (a series of diary entries), but that we see the joys of gardening differently. Llewellyn, initially, sees gardening as a subsitute for sex, I see it more a channelling of the nurturing impulse.
I became less uncomfortable as the years pass (she chronicles 2009-2012). Perhaps the because really we have a simile for a relationship. The initial obsessive and physical joy gives way to the creation and nurturing of new life and the grief of death.
Llewellyn explores the joys of the flesh through her garden as well as the more emotional connection of the company of her family, her oldest friends, creating new life, and making new friends.
I loved that this book made me think and address some of my own assumptions and it gives me hope for my own future.
December 17, 2014
Well perhaps 3.5 stars. I enjoyed her thoughts on getting older. As she says, she's lucky to still have her health and to be strong enough to cycle and garden and cook. I enjoyed the story of her garden, and the people and nature surrounding her. Not a lot happens in this book even though it covers three or four years. It just gently meanders its way through her life and garden. I just hope when I am 70 I have as much life left in me!
December 18, 2019
Review to come. Did thoroughly enjoy this journal entry of the creation of poet South Australian, Kate Llewellyn's edible house garden.
December 6, 2015
Might have to read this fast as I'm seeing her again for the 3rd time 29th Oct 2015 at University of Adelaide Waite campus talk! She is so interesting to read and listen to.
Didn't manage to finish this before hearing Kate for the third time. She is such a joy and so very entertaining. Loving the book so far. If you have ever met her you would 'get' the book. It's just like a diary of her life and she just doesn't care what people think of her eccentricity. A very charming lady who is at that time of her life when she can say what she likes and do what she wants to do.
Finally finished this. I would recommend reading "The dressmakers's dsughter" first as that is her younger life. Now I will have to read more of her stuff. She is mainly a poet but is so descriptive in her writing and I have most of her stuff now. She still swims in the sea at Hove and rides her bike every where with plants and shopping attached. Must be some sight. Wonderfully interesting lady, have a look.
Didn't manage to finish this before hearing Kate for the third time. She is such a joy and so very entertaining. Loving the book so far. If you have ever met her you would 'get' the book. It's just like a diary of her life and she just doesn't care what people think of her eccentricity. A very charming lady who is at that time of her life when she can say what she likes and do what she wants to do.
Finally finished this. I would recommend reading "The dressmakers's dsughter" first as that is her younger life. Now I will have to read more of her stuff. She is mainly a poet but is so descriptive in her writing and I have most of her stuff now. She still swims in the sea at Hove and rides her bike every where with plants and shopping attached. Must be some sight. Wonderfully interesting lady, have a look.
December 27, 2018
A sweet sweet read about life and gardening and growing old. It was so fun to read while I was visiting Adelaide, and in the future I will seek to read more books while visiting the places they were written as it was so much fun to recognize places and relate.
The story follows Kate Llewellyn's garden trials and tribulations through several years and it written in diary form. It was a soft sort of read, perfect for the holidays and thoughtful as the new year approaches.
Often left me with a smile but always left me with my fingers itching to be in the dirt. I loved hearing about the wide variety of plants and the successes and failures over the years. Someday I aspire to have a garden that produces even half the fruit that Kate manages to harvest and share.
The story follows Kate Llewellyn's garden trials and tribulations through several years and it written in diary form. It was a soft sort of read, perfect for the holidays and thoughtful as the new year approaches.
Often left me with a smile but always left me with my fingers itching to be in the dirt. I loved hearing about the wide variety of plants and the successes and failures over the years. Someday I aspire to have a garden that produces even half the fruit that Kate manages to harvest and share.
August 1, 2015
This book resonated with me, I think mainly because it constantly took me back to my mothers garden, reminding me of the joy working in the garden gave her. Being an Adelaidian I could also relate to the seasons, places and some personalities mentioned. I kept taking mental notes of plants and gardening ideas and am now keen to back into my own garden.
April 3, 2016
Rated this book so highly because Kate's story resonated so finely.
It's a mixture of like minded thinking along with time and place, and it's a positive view on aging I'll want to keep on my bookshelf for the future.
It's a mixture of like minded thinking along with time and place, and it's a positive view on aging I'll want to keep on my bookshelf for the future.
June 8, 2022
A charming journal type book by a woman who sounds a bit like me. In some ways at least. I definitely don't subscribe to her philosophy of frugality (alas) and have no desire to breed birds, let alone give the expired ones an autopsy (as she did). However her views about ageing really resonated with me, particularly in terms of her intention not to succumb to being an "old lady", at least before she is good and ready. Love this quote:
"Watching myself age is like watching an explosion far out in a calm sea. So peculiar, so irrationally unexpected. Of course I knew I would age and for some decades I watched the process wryly with a bit of a shrug. But now that real old age has arrived, I see that I did not really expect it at all. "
"Watching myself age is like watching an explosion far out in a calm sea. So peculiar, so irrationally unexpected. Of course I knew I would age and for some decades I watched the process wryly with a bit of a shrug. But now that real old age has arrived, I see that I did not really expect it at all. "
May 14, 2020
I first read this book a few years ago on the recommendation of a fellow gardener friend and found it charming.
A second reading has proved it to be truly delightful.
Kate Llewellyn's descriptions, her casual style and asides make the reader feel like she is having a chat over the fence with a sweet if slightly eccentric neighbour.
White she glosses over details of her earlier life, it is clear that it has not all been smooth sailing but that now in her seventies, she is drifting happily into a pleasing old age while still finding something new in every day.
A second reading has proved it to be truly delightful.
Kate Llewellyn's descriptions, her casual style and asides make the reader feel like she is having a chat over the fence with a sweet if slightly eccentric neighbour.
White she glosses over details of her earlier life, it is clear that it has not all been smooth sailing but that now in her seventies, she is drifting happily into a pleasing old age while still finding something new in every day.
October 26, 2022
A peaceful or serene walk alongside the narrator following her musing and activities around her garden and friendship/family circle.
The narrator is an aging character that gives brief glimpses into this aspect but mostly recounts their daily gardening activities.
I love the idea of cycling through my neighbourhood and collecting things as I went and this is exactly what the main character does, brightening her garden as she goes.
Written in the format of daily diary entries, this book is approachable and is a joy to meander along with.
The narrator is an aging character that gives brief glimpses into this aspect but mostly recounts their daily gardening activities.
I love the idea of cycling through my neighbourhood and collecting things as I went and this is exactly what the main character does, brightening her garden as she goes.
Written in the format of daily diary entries, this book is approachable and is a joy to meander along with.
March 27, 2022
l thoroughly enjoyed this book, and l can relate to many of her thoughts about life, friendship and gardening, and the wisdom that is acquired. l love her energy and vitality, her enthusiasm is infectious. She has had an interesting life which has given her the opportunity to say Yes to the new and challenging. Her joy of the everyday, vegetable's grown, fresh eggs from her own chooks, finding something to grow that you haven't grown before. So much to relate to as a gardener. Great book.
August 20, 2018
I have been a long-time fan of Kate Llewellyn but found this book slightly disappointing, perhaps because I am not a huge gardener. Frequently it seemed to me to be a list of plants bought and planted without much more happening, but I did enjoy her observations on how to age gently and how to make the most of what you have.
March 28, 2019
A rambling story down memory lane. I think my granny’s diary was ten times more interesting. Never read any of the authors books but I think it’s time she hung up her gardeners gloves and just enjoys her garden. One star for a few gardening tips in Adelaide.
November 30, 2023
Gentle, enjoyable read. Having lived in Adelaide for a few years, I knew the location and the weather that Kate Llewellyn mentions. The gardening struggles and successes and the chickens and ducks problems were fun.
November 13, 2018
A delightful diary with no real plot but to experience her life in older age remembering past and enjoying the present creating a garden which feeds her soul.
August 4, 2020
Read sometime in April 2017.
October 13, 2019
A pleasant antidote to violent contents in books I’ve been reading lately. The author writes a diary recording her activities planting her Adelaide garden. Lots about her chooks. She’s an older woman, the ageing process is on her radar. I’m going to read her earlier book on the same topic.
August 6, 2015
What more could you wish to read about about. Gardening, chooks and vegetables. As I drift into retirement, this is my life as well. Pleasant days just being.
A pleasant read and a wonderful way to pass a few pleasant hours. Maybe growing old gracefully in the garden is not so bad, better than the alternative!
Worth reading.
A pleasant read and a wonderful way to pass a few pleasant hours. Maybe growing old gracefully in the garden is not so bad, better than the alternative!
Worth reading.
September 24, 2016
I cannot believe this is Kate's first I have read.
Delightful from start to finish, I was carried away on Kate's journey as she gardens and philosophises about life and nature and aging.
Nature writing is one of my passions and I will now seek her other work.
Like Inga Simson, Kate is another jewel at this genre.
Delightful from start to finish, I was carried away on Kate's journey as she gardens and philosophises about life and nature and aging.
Nature writing is one of my passions and I will now seek her other work.
Like Inga Simson, Kate is another jewel at this genre.
September 3, 2015
A trip down memory lane after reading The Waterlily et al so many years ago. Reading Kate Llewellyn is like meeting up with an old friend.
February 18, 2015
Always a pleasure but perhaps not her usual standard
February 3, 2015
Kate at age 70, writing about her garden, her ducks and chooks, old age, and joy (mostly joy). She is not all sweetness and light. How I love her!
April 16, 2015
Like being caught in a long rambling unfocused chat with your grandma, but about a subject you enjoy (Assuming you enjoy gardens and chooks, which I do).
July 6, 2015
Enjoyed the time with this writer, her pleasure exploring the possibilities for her location, wash the soil away from citrus roots before planting and tips for cooking quinces.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews