IN THE GARDEN

WHAT TO GROW, BUY AND LOOK AT IN YOUR PLOT THIS MONTH.

What to grow, plant and buy this spring.

PAINT PERFECT

Leaf through beautiful botanical art by William T. Cooper, described by Sir David Attenborough as the “world’s greatest living wildlife illustrator”. This glorious volume collects his plant paintings. The Botanical Art of William T. Cooper

by Wendy Cooper, $65, NLA Publishing.

GLEAM AND GROW

Keep your indoor plants in tiptop condition with The Plant Runner indoor plants kit, containing Neem Oil for natural leaf shine and Plant Food to keep them healthy and happy. $28, theplantrunner.com

BARKING GLAD

From Scout the Jack Russell, who patrols his 160-year-old bluestone homestead in western Victoria, to kelpie Flash, who works sheep in Central West NSW, to Booma, the wolfhound-smithfield cross who keeps his teenage owner company on the farm in Goondiwindi, Queensland, the pups in our new Country Dogs book will warm your heart. From aremediabooks.com.au and all good bookshops.

SETTLE IN

Kickstart warm days in the garden by overhauling your outdoor cushion collection. Katrina Read hand-illustrates her bright, beautiful designs. $89.99 each, katrinaread.com.au

FLICKERING FLAMES

A fire pit is an excellent focal point for any garden, perfect for gatherings or simply extending your time outdoors into the cool of the evening. Glow Tambo Fire Pit, $69, bunnings.com.au

take a seat

With its harsh sun and pelting rain, the Australian climate is unkind to outdoor furniture. Osier Belle uses all-weather wicker, top-quality, A6-grade teak and fade-proof Sunbrella fabric to craft beautiful, durable pieces specifically designed to withstand our weather. Visit osierbelle.com.au

PLANT IT NOW

Your spring bulbs may be blooming, but there’s no rest for the gardener! These bold and beautiful flowers are perfect to sow in spring: • Begonia

• Lobelia • California poppy • Cosmos

• Marigold • Salvia

• Nasturtium

• Snapdragon • Verbena

ONE, TWO, TREE

FROM UNDERSTORY TO WHERE THE TREES WERE, INGA SIMPSON’S BOOKS HAVE ALWAYS FOCUSED ON AUSTRALIA’S ARBOREAL WONDERLAND. AND NOW SHE’S WRITTEN A BOOK OF TREES THAT’S INTENDED FOR CHILDREN BUT IS, IN FACT, A BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED IDENTIFICATION GUIDE TO OUR MAGNIFICENT FOREST DWELLERS FOR NATURE-LOVERS OF ANY AGE. THE BOOK OF AUSTRALIAN TREES BY INGA SIMPSON, $26.99, HACHETTE AUSTRALIA.

JUST A SPLASH

For those uncertain indoor gardeners who fear the curse of the black thumb, this Northcote Pottery self-watering pot is a blessing. Overwatering kills more plants than underwatering, and this pot’s smart dish saves any excess and filters it back up for the more forgetful waterer. From $14.98, Bunnings Warehouse.

BOOT UP

When you need elegant footwear that happens to be rainproof, pop over to Pipduck. With styles ranging from chic riding boots to pretty paisley patterns, these gumboots keep feet cosy and dry, whatever the weather. Visit pipduck.com.au