Slow Down and Grow Something

AUTHOR: Byron Smith with Tess Robinson PUBLISHER: Murdoch Books RRP: $39.99

REVIEWER: Mary Ann Elliott

IT’S clear that Byron and Tess are passionate about what they do; cultivating, cooking and sharing their home grown produce and helping others.

Full of inspiring full-plate colour pictures, Byron’s mantra is, “Soak up the outdoors, reconnect with your food, share with your community and live the good life.”

Indeed gardening is truly enjoyable, addictive, rewarding and fulfilling, both physically and mentally.

Byron and Tess say they aren’t chefs but love their cooking. Here they share their garden-to-plate accomplishments in the hope that you will enjoy some of the same satisfaction.

It’s a story ‘from germination to consumption’ with the freshest possible ingredients.

There are now more reasons than ever to grow your own food, regardless of the likelihood of a world food shortage in the future.

Practical chapters include garden basics, climatic zones, layout, watering, growing from seeds or seedlings, planting a tree, harvesting, compost and honey bees, while Part Two is about seasonal plants and recipes. Try lemon, zucchini and rosemary bread, tomato ketchup, smoothies and dressings of all kinds, potato, sage and pecorino tarts, and many more delicious dishes.

Here’s a book to inspire you to try your hand in both the garden and the kitchen.