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The Rookie Gardener
The go-to guide for would-be gardeners with NFI.
Passionate horticulturist Chloe Foster is on a mission to help novice plant parents nail the absolute basics of gardening. Straight talking, information packed, irreverent, inspirational and fun, The Rookie Gardener will enable your joyful transition from horticultural zero to green-thumbed hero.
For readers with absolutely no floriferous idea, the book begins by explaining what a plant actually is. Chapters are set out in the order that you would do things in the garden - because a thorough grounding in the what, why and how of your bit of soil is the first and most important step towards imagining and creating something that perfectly suits you and your needs. To round out your rookie understanding, there are step-by-step projects, horticultural tidbits, suggestions for rabbit-hole reading, checklists, garden hacks and special features (with the generous inclusion of how to grow succulents, the author's most hated plant). As Chloe gently guides you through making your garden, and living in it, she provides insights into growing your own food, creating habitat, treading lightly on the earth (dig out that weed, don't spray it!), and gardening in size-challenged spaces - even if that's just a bookshelf in your lounge room.
An illustrated plant directory, giving recommendations for particular spots and styles, makes choosing the right plant for the right place a cinch - the perfect way to send you off on your solo gardening expedition, loaded with all the knowledge, skills and confidence you need.
Passionate horticulturist Chloe Foster is on a mission to help novice plant parents nail the absolute basics of gardening. Straight talking, information packed, irreverent, inspirational and fun, The Rookie Gardener will enable your joyful transition from horticultural zero to green-thumbed hero.
For readers with absolutely no floriferous idea, the book begins by explaining what a plant actually is. Chapters are set out in the order that you would do things in the garden - because a thorough grounding in the what, why and how of your bit of soil is the first and most important step towards imagining and creating something that perfectly suits you and your needs. To round out your rookie understanding, there are step-by-step projects, horticultural tidbits, suggestions for rabbit-hole reading, checklists, garden hacks and special features (with the generous inclusion of how to grow succulents, the author's most hated plant). As Chloe gently guides you through making your garden, and living in it, she provides insights into growing your own food, creating habitat, treading lightly on the earth (dig out that weed, don't spray it!), and gardening in size-challenged spaces - even if that's just a bookshelf in your lounge room.
An illustrated plant directory, giving recommendations for particular spots and styles, makes choosing the right plant for the right place a cinch - the perfect way to send you off on your solo gardening expedition, loaded with all the knowledge, skills and confidence you need.
- GenresNonfiction
320 pages, Paperback
Published September 2, 2025
6 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 9, 2026
I’ve really enjoyed this book. It truly is for the rookie gardener, and a great place to learn about gardening topics that can seem complex or overwhelming when first starting out. The author has explained it in a way that is enjoyable and makes sense. I can see this being a staple book that I keep coming back to during my gardening journey!
December 8, 2025
Awesome book! I loved how the knowledge level in this book is insanely high while still making complicated topics really accessible. The writing, images and infographies are also fun making it a very pleasant read. This is now my go to gift for people that enjoys plants.
November 7, 2025
Very Australian in tone and content.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews