IN THE GARDEN
GEORGINA REID OF THE PLANT HUNTER ON WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE GARDEN WORLD.
A masterclass with Matt Coulter, curator at the Botanic Gardens of South Australia Nursery. Plus, a book and handy tools that gardeners will love.
BLADE RUNNER I am deeply attached to my pair of Felco 7 secateurs, $108. My mum bought me a pair soon after I began studying horticulture and they’re in my back pocket most days. Durable, beautifully designed and easy to maintain — it’s no wonder they’re a classic. I’ll be using mine for life. forestrytools.com.au
CUTTING EDGE
Do you want to learn how to take cuttings from rare or hard-to-grow plants? Curious about growing plants from seed? Then this masterclass with propagation expert and Botanic Gardens of South Australia Nursery curator Matt Coulter is for you. Offering practical tips, this class will set you on course for a lifetime of plant fun. Tickets $201.54. September 23; 10am-3pm; Mount Lofty Botanic Garden Nursery; 16 Lampert Road, Piccadilly, SA. Book at eventbrite.com.au
PURE FOLLY
When Sandy Mckinley found her 1860s cottage in Trentham, Victoria (story on page 36), she had no idea the garden would f lourish into what it is today — home to 1500 roses and a f lower farm under the banner of Acre of Roses. She grows mainly David Austin varieties and hybrid tea roses (some pictured below left). Inspired by her family’s connection to an old castle in Ireland, she asked local stonemason Tom Hamlin to create a brick ruin in the garden (pictured far left). Tom is well known for his work in the area and was given creative freedom on this project. He incorporated bluestone-edged openings in the walls as a nod to the wild goldfields days when many buildings had gun slits in the walls for protection. Follow @acreofroses
RAIN ON
I’m hoping that by the time you are reading this there will have been plenty of nourishing rain over rural Australia, and that there’ll be a need for wet weather gear like these Hunter wellies. First introduced in 1956 and handcrafted from natural rubber, these iconic boots will keep your toes dry, warm and stylish. Hunter Womens Original Tall Wellington Boots in Orange, about $145. hunterboots.com
It’s village life
Central Victorian based small-scale farmers, gardeners and educators Matt and Lentil Purbrick are releasing their second book this September. The Village (Plum, $45) is about good food, gardening and nourishing traditions. Packed with plenty of wholesome recipes and practical food gardening advice, The Village is all about celebrating the importance of growing, cooking and eating with friends and family.