The Open Garden

The Australian continent holds an extraordinary range of different climates and conditions which have resulted in richly varied gardens. The Open Garden tells the story of forty-six gardeners, from a fifth-generation pastoralist to a passionate cycad-collecting policeman, who worked with climate and settling peculiarities to make their own gardens. Diverse as they and their gardens are, the gardeners share a generosity of spirit, opening their gardens and their mediations to the public. They tell of how they balance the demands of continuity against changing times; make innovative marriages brought in by the wider perspective provided by travel and reading; and yet, create gardens that have a distinctly Australian sensibility.

From the cool temperate to the tropical, Mediterranean to the bush, The Open Garden captures the enchantment of gardening, and the alchemy of gardens.

Lavishly illustrated with full-colour photographs from some of Australia's top garden photographers, this is an inspirational tome for all gardeners, would-be gardeners or mere dreamers.