Inspiration and practical ideas from popular Gardening Australia presenter Sophie Thomson's very own patch. A gorgeous, inspirational and fun gardening book jam-packed with ideas, tips, projects and great advice all based around Sophie's own life and garden in the Adelaide Hills.Sophie has transformed what was once a dry, windswept cow paddock into a wonderful garden surrounding a historic stone cottage. But it's no mere showplace - it's a working garden that reflects all Sophie's passions: a kids' garden, an 'obsessive-compulsive' gardener's treasure trove, a recycled/repurposed garden, a haven for beneficial insects & bees, and a productive garden supplying her family with fruit and veg year-round. It's also a work in progress that everyone can learn from, including: , ∗ Sophie's 10 guiding principles , ∗Planning your patch (soil, climate, waterwise gardening) , ∗Sophie's top plants , ∗The edible garden , ∗Garden structures that reduce, reuse and recycle - Sophie's garden has everything from an old tram carriage that now houses chooks to garden sculptures, a pizza oven and practical and striking 'gabion' walls, all made from recycled materials. , ∗Kids in the garden , ∗Wildlife gardening
Sophie writes with warmth, wit and an extensive knowledge of plants and gardening in a real (albeit larger than normal) backyard. My copy has a highlighted list of plants to try at my place.
Sophie Thomson is a great presenter on TV and equals her talent in the task of writing. This is a friendly, accessible and enjoyable book which has hints for both novice & experienced gardeners.