Welcome to our Autumn issue, 2017.
A garden means many things and is an enjoyment as varied as the people who create them. Recently I've appreciated our garden even more as it has become a n oasis for reflection at the passing of several close friends, one my closest school friend.
Jeff was a keen gardener and even though we’d only caught up once in 45 years - at a recent garden show - that meeting showed our friendship was just as fresh as it had been at school. Jeff had watched me on TV and listened to m e on the radio so, from his perspective, we had aged together as friends. People, like favourite plants, stay with you forever once you appreciate their qualities. Gardening and plants are such precious things - only eclipsed by the friends you make on life's journey. One thing I am really proud of about our Garden Clinic Club is how it brings people with a shared interest together.
In our Journal this issue we bring friends together and introduce new pl ants and some old favourites. You’ ll meet some Australian and international gardeners and see their creations. We also offer inspiration for the kitchen, direct from our own kitchen garden and because gardening can be a battle-ground we also look at controlling weeds and solving camellia problems. But once you’ve got the garden organised I urge you to sit down and take some time to reflect both on what the garden and its plants mean to you, and on y our friends and what they’ve given to you through life.
Good gardening and go safely,