Q&A

Favourite plant combination: Rodgersia, Thalictrum ‘Alba’, Bergenia ciliata and Alchemilla mollis for a lovely mixture of colour, texture and form. Most-used garden tool: A very small spade that Joe has ground down for me a few times – I take it everywhere in the garden.

Best edibles: Carrots and parsnips, which won’t usually do well in clay but we’ve improved the soil a lot over the years. And raspberries – I fill the freezer. Favourite season: Spring for the freshness and promise; autumn for mellowness and colour.

Best tip for gardeners: Keep on top of the weeding and everything else is pleasure.

Carolyn Ferraby

Edited extract from Flourish: New Zealand Women and Their Extraordinary Gardens by Barb Rogers and Juliet Nicholas, published by Godwit, $55.