Your H&G

Readers’ letters.

I just finished reading On Home by William McInnes (March). What a beautiful piece of writing. It moved me to tears as I sat on the verandah of our old family home. My dad died last year and my mum four years ago, so being in this house is a deeply emotional experience. Like William, I too can hear the “barking and giggling” and feel an “explosion of hugs and kisses”. I still expect to see Dad pulling a hose around the garden and Mum pruning her roses. ‘Home’ truly is a special place, and we make our own. That’s why I love H&G, because each issue is bursting with ideas on how we can make our houses even more special. Garden of delights

It was an absolute delight to ponder Sam Cox’s magnificent native garden (Never-ending Nature, February). His design of ponds, boulders, secret paths and indigenous plantings directly inspired my own gardening plans. I’ve now planted species such as Hakea, sweet bursaria and wildflowers native to my area, and have used large volcanic rocks for landscaping. I look forward to my garden evolving into a place of calm and fascination like Sam’s. Meredith Barclay, Buninyong, Victoria

Into the blue

February’s issue had me at hydrangeas, boats and beautifully beachy blue hues! I wanted so much to be inside that house on the cover, reclining on a day bed. Although sadly, this wasn’t to be, I wasn’t disappointed, since you presented me with many pages of thoughtful and inspiring ideas for my own home. Thanks for such a refreshing experience – it was better than a holiday. Janet Hayes, Sydney, NSW

Miracle cure

Feeling glum after minor surgery, while my friends were all away for the long weekend, I bought H&G and found myself transported to another world.

The features inspired me to rearrange my rooms, pull out a copper pot I inherited, shift my garden planters around and rethink my light shades. No need to buy much, since you’ve made me view things in a new light. It gave me such a lift! Alison Horch, Burnie, Tasmania