Nothing beats warm weather, a cool drink, and a stack of books. Photo / 123rf
Kem Ormond is a features writer for The Country. She’s also a keen gardener. This week, she’s sharing her favourite garden reads for over summer.
The countdown is on. Soon I’ll be stretched out on my outdoor couch or swaying gently in my hammock, soaking up the sun and diving into some great reads.
Christmas break is my time to swap writing for reading, and nothing beats the combination of warm weather, a cool drink and a stack of books.
I popped into Paige’s Bookshop in Whanganui, my happy place for literary indulgence.
I came away with four gems. I think you’ll love them too.
These picks are perfect for lazy afternoons in the garden or those long summer evenings when the cicadas are singing.
Common Ground: Gardens, Histories of Aotearoa – Matt Morris
If you love gardens (and I know many of us do!), this book is an absolute delight.
Matt Morris takes you on a journey through Aotearoa’s gardening history, weaving stories of people, places, and plants into a rich tapestry.
What is interesting about this book is that it is not focused on large, grand gardens.
It is more about the gardens created and brought alive by humble people.
Morris covers these people, from the earliest arrivals who brought seeds and cuttings, to the settlers who had to dig the land and plant food crops for their families, to the revival of the home gardening culture, community initiatives, sustainability and the recent concept of food sovereignty.
He writes about the commencement of Chinese market gardens, flower competitions, gardening during the Depression and Māori growing traditions.
Gardening history at its best.
Sage: A Journal for the Garden Curious – Emma Page
A new book on the block, and pure joy for anyone who loves the mystery of gardens.
This is a beautifully curated journal consisting of 190 pages, which celebrates curiosity in the garden, with thoughtful essays, practical tips and stories that make you want to grab your trowel and get busy with a garden project.
Sage celebrates people, plants and places with thoughtful storytelling and fabulous photography that you will just drool over.
Emma Page writes with warmth and brings the garden and people alive, making this the perfect companion for those lazy summer afternoons when you want inspiration as much as information, all from your hammock.
An Essential Guide to Foraging in New Zealand – Peter Langlands
Peter Langlands’ guide is the ultimate companion for anyone curious about wild food.
From coastal plants to forest finds, this book shows you how to forage in Aotearoa safely and sustainably.
It’s practical, inspiring and will have you looking at your local landscape in a whole new way.
With 250 of our tastiest wild plants to learn about, the photos are clear and detailed, making identification of each plant so easy and helpful.
Honestly, this book will inspire you to go and try your hand at foraging.
Before you know it, you will have your trug in hand, ready for a bit of adventure over summer.
Down to Earth Gardening – Phil Thomsen
If you’re dreaming of a garden that’s beautiful and practical, this book is your new best friend.
Phil Thomsen brings gardening back to basics with tips that are easy to follow and ideas that make sense for real Kiwi backyards.
It’s packed with advice for creating a thriving garden without the fuss.
This book is perfect for anyone who wants to spend more time enjoying their plants and less time stressing about them.
With beautiful watercolour illustrations, you will keep referring back to this book all year round.
Thomsen shares 202 practical tips on everything from landscaping, water features, plant selection, maintenance, how to grow vegetables and why he uses the chop and drop method for his soil, to name a few.
So, grab your favourite spot in the garden, pour yourself something refreshing, and enjoy a relaxing read.
After all, summer is for slowing down and savouring life, one page at a time.