Writing cool climate gardening for ABC Organic Gardener

Well they say when it rains it pours, and it seems spring really is full of promise, and good news!

And I’ve definitely got some exciting news to share. Drumroll…. I’ve joined ABC Organic Gardener as their cool climate writer, beginning with the Spring issue, number 160. Out of just a handful of writers chosen to represent the different climate zones across Australia, I’ll be one of them — writing eight columns a year from the rhythms of a cool climate garden.

It feels a little surreal, to be honest. I’ve been reading this magazine for years. It’s one of the very few that has always stayed true to what matters — grounded, seasonal gardening knowledge you can take straight outside. No fluff. Just practical wisdom and inspiration from gardeners around the country. To now be adding my voice to that mix feels both humbling and pretty thrilling.

A huge thank you to ABC Organic Gardener magazine and to Chloe Thomson (@beantheredugthat), the brand new editor, for inviting me into the fold. I’m so looking forward to working alongside the other writers, whose work I’ve admired for such a long time.

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What cool climate gardening means to me

A productive garden is not only a source of beauty and what the garden offers. It is a way to live well. Cool climates ask us to be considered and seasonally responsive. We work with short summers, crisp nights and soil that asks for patience. The work becomes an experience of attention.

We observe light, water, wind and shelter. We create microclimates to extend the season. We choose plants for resilience, structure, scent and food. We build soil and the rest follows.

My approach is design led and hands on. I think in spaces, edges and rhythm. I use simple seasonal tasks to keep things moving. I lean on the quiet, layered architecture of a compost bay, worm systems that hum away, and planting that serves more than one role. This is how I’ve come to understand how to grow vegetables in a cool climate — through design thinking, daily practice and a willingness to keep observing.

What to expect in my column

Each column will be seasonal and written through a cool climate lens — practical, design-aware, and rooted in what’s happening right now. You can expect:

• Timing that matches short growing windows — from when to start warm-season crops indoors, to when to direct sow cool-season staples.
   

• Succession strategies for steady harvests — lettuce, rocket, mustard and more to keep greens coming.
   

• Soil and compost care that’s do-able and regenerative — turning compost, top-dressing with worm castings, cutting down green manures before seed.
   

• Fruit and berry tasks that matter in cool climates — thinning blossoms, tying canes, frost protection, even small tricks like cockatoo deterrents.
   

• Design thinking folded into the everyday — creating microclimates, working with frost pockets, using shelter and mulch to hold warmth and moisture.
   

• Checklists you can take outside — clear, seasonal action points so your garden stays productive and abundant.

Every column will be written for cool climate gardeners who want their spring, summer, autumn and winter to work harder — showing how to grow abundantly even with shorter seasons and lingering frosts.

An invitation to the community

More than anything, I hope the column feels like a conversation. Each garden is different, but the challenges of frost, short summers and fast shifts of season are ones we share.

So I’d love to hear from you: what cool climate questions are on your mind this spring? Seedlings, frost, wind, succession planting? Tell me what you’re experimenting with — your insights will help shape what I write next.

Continue your gardening journey with me

If this resonates with where you’re at in your own garden, I’d love to welcome you into a workshop. Explore current workshops here. They’re designed to give you the skills and confidence to grow with beauty, abundance and purpose.

If you are building your garden from home right now, my ebooks on Wicking Bed Gardens and Introduction to Backyard Chicken Keeping offer practical step by step guidance that pairs well with the workshops.

You may want to check out my related content below:

Redefining Productive: What it means in my Garden

Stay connected for more seasonal inspiration:
Instagram | Facebook | Gardenstead | LinkedIn | Pinterest | YouTube | Website | Newsletter

Thanks so much for following along.
Natasha xx

Cultivating beauty in a war zone – Alla Olkhovska’s garden of resistance

As I write my book,

I find myself returning again and again to the idea that a garden is never just a place. It’s a record of choices, of memory, of survival. This book has become much more than a collection of methods or stories — it’s become a tapestry of lived experiences. Stories that carry grief, resourcefulness, joy, and an enduring belief in what it means to keep growing.

One of the most powerful threads in that tapestry belongs to Alla Olkhovska.

For me, this is not abstract. I come from a family shaped by displacement — my grandmother fled former Yugoslavia on foot with two young children, crossing the Alps and spending years in displaced persons camps before finally making it to Australia. They were refugees who found safety, eventually. But for Alla, who lives in Kharkiv, Ukraine, there is no such option. She cannot leave. She gardens with drones overhead and cracked walls around her. And still, she plants. She photographs. She saves seeds. She grows.

Alla’s story is one of the many I’ve been honoured to weave into my book — and it’s one I believe the world needs to read. Here’s a glimpse into a world and a story that I’ll share more of, in time. 

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Some stories stay with you. They shift something in the way you see the world.
My conversation with Ukrainian gardener, photographer, and seed-saver Alla Olkhovska was one of those.

We spoke across time zones — me in Daylesford, she in Kharkiv — with rain falling in both our worlds. Her voice was calm, articulate, warm. Her words were generous and precise. And her story? It stopped me in my tracks.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Alla is a gardener in the middle of a war zone. She has remained in Kharkiv with her husband, who was gravely ill when the war began, and her elderly grandmother, who refused to leave her home. Their days are filled with air-raid sirens, power cuts, and the constant hum of uncertainty. And yet… amid all of this, Alla gardens.

She doesn’t just tend her space — she cultivates it. She collects rare seeds, raises clematis and species peonies, harvests by hand, and sends tiny envelopes of hope all over the world. She’s built a loyal seed customer base, a Patreon community, and an archive of incredible plant photography — all from a modest plot of land passed down through four generations.

Her garden has become a form of survival. Of resistance. Of legacy.

“I never thought I would live through the same kind of war my great-grandparents endured,” Alla told me. “And now I understand what they felt. How gardening helped them to survive.”

A family garden in wartime

The garden Alla tends was built by her great-grandfather after the Second World War — complete with apple trees, old wooden gates, and peonies that she’s since divided and brought back to life. It has always helped her family endure hard times — famine, economic collapse, political upheaval.

Now, under shelling and blackouts, it continues to nourish them.

There are no paved paths, no grand gestures. Just vines growing over branches, clematis climbing through pines, and layers of seasonal planting composed like music. It’s deeply personal. Deeply considered. Deeply hers.

When we spoke, Alla described her seed-saving as “labour-intensive, yes — but full of joy.” She works with bare hands, even in freezing weather, because she wants to feel the seeds. Her farewell bouquet each autumn — made before the first frost — is a ritual she’s held onto since 2017. It’s her way of thanking the garden, and the season, before winter silences it all.

Beauty is not a luxury

Early in our conversation, Alla hesitated when speaking about the camera lens her supporters helped fund. “It’s not a necessity,” she said. “It’s not food, or medicine.”

But the truth is — it is a necessity.

As I write in my upcoming book, beauty is not a luxury. It’s what connects us to meaning. And in Alla’s case, it’s what connects her to the rest of the world.

Her photos — taken in bursts between garden tasks and blackouts — are exquisite. Quiet. Detailed. Honest. She photographs plants not to impress, but to witness. And in doing so, she’s created a following that spans continents.

“Every seed I send out,” she said, “is a way to support my family — but also a way to share hope. To connect. To remind people that something beautiful can still grow in a broken place.”

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How to support Alla’s work

Every seed order, e-book sale, Patreon subscription, or photo shared is part of a much bigger story. If you’d like to support Alla — not just in spirit, but in practice — here are a few ways to do that:

🔗 Follow Alla on Instagram
🔗 Support Alla through Patreon
🔗 Watch the documentary on Alla ‘Gardening In A War Zone’ 

Her seed packets have reached gardens in Japan, Qatar, Australia, Canada, and beyond. It’s a global web of connection — one gardener at a time.

In her words

“When I go into the garden and there are no alert signals… I forget the war for a while. The birds are singing. The flowers are blooming. You start feeling good, despite everything.”

If this story resonates with you, you’ll find more in my upcoming book, where Alla’s full interview — along with a QR code to our recorded conversation — will be included. It’s one of the great honours of this book to share her story.

With love,
Natasha x

“We plant seeds not only to grow — but to remember what we’re capable of creating.” Natasha Morgan

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If you’d like to experience life here and this incredible space first-hand, I’d love to welcome you to one of my upcoming workshops. Come and walk the garden, learn something new, and connect with others creating lives rich in beauty, practicality and purpose.

Explore my workshops:

~  The Productive Garden with Natasha Morgan – Learn how to grow abundantly, no matter your space.

~ Garden Design with Natasha Morgan – Craft a garden that balances structure, beauty, and functionality.

~ The Wicking Bed Garden with Natasha Morgan – Build a self-watering, water-wise garden for effortless growing.

You may want to check out my related content below:

~ Why I grow. Why I design. Why I return — An answer to the question of “why” I do what I do.

~ Looking Back: A Rare Glimpse Inside Oak & Monkey Puzzle — A glimpse into my reflections and the beginnings of my book.

Thanks so much for following along.

Natasha xx,

For glimpses into workshops, daily life, and my thoughts from Little Cottage on a Hill, you can find me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. And if you’d like a more personal update, subscribe to my Newsletter for a monthly note on what’s growing, what’s inspiring me, and what’s next.

Click the links below to stay connected—I’d love to have you along for the journey.

Caring for Ornamental Grasses – When (and Whether) to Cut Back

As we head toward winter here in the southern hemisphere, it’s the time of year when I’m often asked: Should I be cutting back my grasses now?

My answer, more often than not, is not yet.

For many of us, ornamental grasses are still holding strong—bleached, upright, architectural. They continue to offer form, movement, and quiet seasonal interest right through the cooler months. Cutting them back too early removes not just their visual contribution, but also the habitats they offer to insects and birds.

So if you’re unsure what to do right now in late May, my suggestion is this: observe closely, and wait if you can. Let the garden keep offering what it still has to give.

Below, I’ve shared what I do in my own garden at this time of year—including when (and whether) to cut back each type of grass, how to divide them, and how to support them through the seasons.

Why I return to grasses, again and again

I return to grasses time and time again. They’re a favourite go-to in my garden design toolkit—they offer structure and softness, but also bring a kind of seasonal rhythm that anchors the garden and that just keeps on giving.

They catch the light, respond to the breeze, and shift with the seasons—moving from verdant to architectural, continuing to anchor the space even through winter.

That’s why I leave mine standing for as long as I can.

Here at Little Cottage on a Hill, the 27-metre long northern planting—filled with Miscanthus, Calamagrostis, Panicum, Molinia and others—does so much of the heavy lifting during the cooler months. It softens the boundary, offers a sense of enclosure, and holds a rhythm at the garden’s edge.

But eventually, they do need cutting back. And each one has its own rhythm.

When to cut back – species by species

Miscanthus (e.g. ‘Eileen Quinn’, ‘Kleine Fontaine’, ‘Yakushima Dwarf’)
Leave standing through winter. Cut back in late winter to early spring, just before new shoots emerge. Trim to around 10–20cm (4–8").

Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’
Often pushes fresh growth early. Cut back in late winter, just before the green blades return. Trim to around 10–15cm (4–6").

Panicum (e.g. ‘Blue Steel’, ‘Iron Maiden’)
Hold their form well into winter. Cut back in late winter or early spring, down to 10–15cm (4–6").

Andropogon scoparius ‘Blaze’
Cut back just before new growth appears in late winter.

Molinia arundinacea
Cut back in late winter. These often flatten with heavy rain or frost, but their form is still beautiful when caught in low light or mist.

And once they’re cut? Don’t be too quick to compost what’s left behind.

Spent grasses make beautiful materials for vases, loose seasonal arrangements, or even twisted into wreaths. Their fine structure, bleached tones, and natural curves bring a quiet, sculptural quality indoors. I often gather armfuls of Miscanthus or Calamagrostis to use around the house—nothing too styled, just simply arranged in a jug or laid across a shelf.

Why not cut grasses back in autumn?

It’s a question I’m asked often—and I understand why. For years, autumn clean-up was the default. But I’ve found that grasses give so much more when left in place:

• They provide visual structure and softness when everything else is pared back

• They shelter overwintering insects and offer food for birds

• They create contrast against bare branches, frosts, and low winter light

• They add sound to the garden—seedheads rattling softly in the breeze

Unless the plant has collapsed or rotted at the base, I always choose to leave it be.

Can they be divided? What about in winter?

If a grass is thinning in the centre or starting to dominate a space, division is a simple way to rejuvenate it or create new plantings.

But winter isn’t the ideal time to divide. Most ornamental grasses are dormant through the colder months, and disturbing them too early can lead to stress, rot, or poor re-establishment.

Instead, wait until early spring—just as new growth begins to show. That’s when the crown is active, and divisions settle in more easily. I usually look for the first signs of green shoots before lifting and splitting a clump.

Use a sharp spade to divide the clump cleanly, replant or pot up the divisions, and water them in well. With the full growing season ahead, they’ll re-establish quickly.

Do they need feeding or mulching?

Most ornamental grasses are fairly low maintenance. I do mulch lightly with compost or aged mulch in early spring after cutting back—not to push excessive growth, but to support soil health and give the plants a good start for the season.

Are all grasses safe to leave through winter?

In wetter climates or heavy soils, some grasses can be prone to rotting at the crown if left standing too long. If a grass has flopped or shows signs of decay, it’s perfectly fine to cut it back a little earlier. As always: observe the plant, and respond accordingly.

Can I grow ornamental grasses in pots or small spaces?

Absolutely. Grasses can thrive in containers and smaller gardens—especially those with upright, clump-forming habits. Some of my favourites include:

• Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ – strong vertical structure that holds its shape beautifully

• Panicum ‘Blue Steel’ – upright with soft, airy flowering plumes through late summer

• Miscanthus ‘Eileen Quinn’ – compact and elegant, ideal for pots or tight borders

The key is choosing varieties that are more restrained in size, and matching their mature height to the scale and depth of the container. A tall grass in a shallow pot will never thrive—so I always make sure the root zone has room to stretch, and the proportions are balanced.

A favourite pairing: grasses, Echinops and Echinacea pallida

One of the things I’ve observed this past year is how well Echinops works structurally in combination with grasses—particularly Calamagrostis. Where I’d planted Echinops ritro just in front of a drift of Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’, the tall, rigid stems of the Echinops acted almost like a scaffold—quietly holding the grasses upright and preventing them from flopping in the wind.

It’s a small detail, but it’s shifted how I think about layering structure in the 27-metre north-facing verge bed. This winter, I’m propagating more Echinops from saved seed so I can carry that rhythm further through the planting. Grasses and Echinops have become one of my favourite combinations—offering contrast, resilience, and structure that carries through the seasons.

I love the way Echinops brings both edge and softness: thistle-like, globe-shaped flowers in mid-summer, followed by intricate seedheads that hold their form through winter. Their upright stems catch the light and hold their line long after flowering is finished—adding texture and subtle architecture to the garden in its quieter months.

Similarly, I’ve long admired the way Echinacea pallida moves with some of the finer, shorter grasses. There’s something so quietly graceful in the pairing—the fine, reflexed petals of the pallida drooping elegantly around a cone of dusky seed, mirrored by the movement of surrounding grasses. Miscanthus ‘Eileen Quinn’ works especially well here—tightly clumped, upright, and modest in scale without losing presence.

Other compact grasses I return to for these kinds of pairings include:

• Panicum ‘Blue Steel’ – fine-textured with gentle autumn tones

• Miscanthus ‘Kleine Fontaine’ – with a lovely upright form

I like to plant in drifts of four or five—a rhythm that brings coherence without feeling too uniform. It’s a tip shared with me by my dear friend Lily Langham, and it’s one I return to often. Whether it’s grasses, Echinacea, or Echinops, that repetition adds a softness and strength to the planting—giving enough body to hold space while still allowing for movement and light.

These combinations bring layered interest, seasonal movement, and a gentle wildness to planting—anchoring the space, yet always shifting with light and breeze.

Where I source my grasses

If you’re looking to introduce more ornamental grasses into your own garden, I’m often asked where I source mine from. These are nurseries I’ve personally used and return to again and again—for their quality, range, and thoughtful curation of plants suited to Australian conditions:

• Antique Perennials – in King Lake, with a beautiful range of grasses and perennials that work beautifully in seasonal planting

• Lambley Nursery and Gardens – in Ascot, known for their dry-climate plant palette and strong garden performance

• The Diggers Club – online and their wonderful three Victoria locations, especially good for accessible, well-labelled plants and beginner-friendly information

If you know of any other specialist nursery you trust, I’d love to hear.

Wherever you source your plants, make sure to check the mature size, form, and growth habit—it makes all the difference when selecting grasses for the right rhythm, scale, and movement in your space. I’ve made mistakes in the past, assuming that Miscanthus ‘Yukashima Dwarf’ was in fact a dwarf, and I can guarantee you it certainly is not! (I’ll be shifting a clump of it this winter away from the front of a bed!!)

Some things I’ve learnt over time

• Leave grasses standing through winter if they’re still holding well

• Cut back in late winter to early spring, just before new growth appears

• Divide in early spring—not winter—when growth begins

• Mulch lightly after cutting back

• Observe your climate and plant condition before acting

• Use spent grass stems for sculptural arrangements or natural wreaths

You may want to check out my related content below:

My Top 3 Grasses For All Seasons Gardens – Discover the best ornamental grasses that bring year-round beauty and structure to your garden.

Curious about ornamental grasses?

If you’re exploring how to bring beauty, softness, and structure into your garden—whether through boundary planting, small courtyard moments, or grasses that catch the light just so—I share more in my e-books. They offer guidance on planting design, seasonal care, and combinations that bring function and beauty together.

→ Browse the e-books for more insight into thoughtful planting and garden layering.
→ Share this post with friends who love grasses as much as you do.
→ Sign up for the newsletter to receive seasonal tips, workshop updates, and more from Little Cottage on a Hill.

Thanks so much for following along.
Natasha xx

For glimpses into workshops, daily life, and my thoughts from Little Cottage on a Hill, you can find me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. And if you’d like a more personal update, subscribe to my Newsletter for a monthly note on what’s growing, what’s inspiring me, and what’s next.

Click the links below to stay connected—I’d love to have you along for the journey.

My Favourite Ornamental Grasses: Movement, Texture, and Year-Round Interest

I adore ornamental grasses for their sense of movement, texture, and the seasonal beauty they bring to the garden. They are dynamic plants, changing throughout the year, catching the light, and providing structure in even the most challenging of spaces. In my own 27-metre-long north-facing verge garden bed, I’ve relied on a selection of grasses to create a soft yet structured screen from the road. Planted in drifts of four to five, they form a cohesive, naturalistic planting that ebbs and flows with the seasons.

All of my favourite grasses at Little Cottage On A Hill have been sourced from Antique Perennials, (I find their plant stock to be some of the absolute best available on the market) and I find myself returning to them time and again for their resilience, beauty, and ability to transform a space. Here are some of my favourites:

Antique Perennials

Miscanthus: Graceful and Architectural

Miscanthus is a staple in my garden, offering height, form, and changing interest throughout the year. These grasses emerge fresh and green in spring, develop statuesque elegance through summer, and by autumn, their feathery seed heads glow in the late light, standing proud well into winter. I just love how they move in the breeze. 

Miscanthus ‘Eileen Quinn’ – A beautifully upright variety with delicate, shimmering seed heads that catch every breeze. In autumn, the foliage turns warm tones of gold and amber. One of the smaller varieties. 

Miscanthus ‘Kleine Fontaine’ – True to its name (‘Little Fountain’), this variety forms an arching, cascading shape with soft, silvery plumes in late summer.

Miscanthus ‘Yakushima Dwarf’ – Despite its name, this variety does not have a true dwarf habit. It forms an elegant, medium-sized clump with arching foliage and soft plumes that create a natural, flowing effect in the garden. It’s particularly effective when used in drifts to enhance movement and texture.

Miscanthus stands tall well into winter, offering structure and movement long after many other perennials have retreated.

Miscanthus ‘Eileen Quinn’

Miscanthus ‘Kleine Fontaine’

Miscanthus ‘Yakushima Dwarf’

Panicum: Striking Colour and Ethereal Seed Heads

Panicum, or switchgrass, is another essential in my garden, chosen for its resilience, upright form, and striking seasonal colour changes.

Panicum ‘Iron Maiden’ – A tall, statuesque variety with deep blue-green foliage that turns a striking burgundy-red as the weather cools.

Panicum ‘Blue Steel’ – With its steely blue foliage, this grass offers a stunning contrast to softer greens. By autumn, its colour intensifies with hints of purple and red, and its airy flower heads create a dreamy, mist-like effect.

Panicum is incredibly hardy, coping with heat and dry conditions while maintaining its upright presence throughout the year.

Calamagrostis: The Reliable Performer

Calamagrostis is a structured, vertical grass that brings elegance and rhythm to the planting scheme. It’s one of the first grasses to emerge in spring, providing early season interest when much of the garden is still awakening.

Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ – A true classic. This upright, architectural grass produces feathery, wheat-like plumes in early summer that age beautifully to golden tones through autumn and winter. It’s a brilliant choice for adding strong verticality to a planting scheme.

The Seasonal Changes

One of the joys of ornamental grasses is their seasonal transformation.

Spring: Fresh green growth pushes through, creating a soft, meadow-like feel.

Summer: Grasses are at their lushest, with Miscanthus, Panicum, and Calamagrostis reaching their full height and their delicate seed heads emerging.

Autumn: The warm, golden tones take over, with Panicum intensifying into reds and purples, while Miscanthus plumes catch the afternoon light in a spectacular display.

Winter: The seed heads remain standing, providing much-needed movement and texture in the garden. Frost settles on the plumes, creating a sculptural effect that is just as beautiful as the summer display.

Creating a Naturalistic Effect

In my verge garden, I plant these grasses in swathes of four to five, allowing them to form drifts that mimic natural landscapes. This creates a sense of rhythm and movement, guiding the eye along the space while also offering a practical function—screening the road and softening the edges of the garden.

Paired with perennials such as echinacea, salvias, and sedums, these grasses create a planting scheme that is both structured and free-flowing. They offer habitat for insects, shelter for small creatures, and a constantly changing display that makes even the simplest of spaces feel alive.

Grasses like Miscanthus, Panicum, and Calamagrostis are the backbone of my garden’s seasonal tapestry. Their ability to evolve throughout the year, providing height, texture, and movement, makes them an invaluable addition to any landscape. If you’re looking to introduce these grasses into your own garden, I highly recommend exploring the selections at Antique Perennials—they are my trusted source for quality, resilient plants that stand the test of time.

You may want to check my related content below:

Designing Gardens For All Seasons – Explore how to create a garden that evolves beautifully throughout the year.

Hydrangea Paniculata: A Year-Round Beauty in the Garden – Learn how this stunning plant brings year-round interest to your landscape.

Dive into both for more inspiration to keep your garden flourishing all year long! 

Or if you’d like to dive deeper into sustainable gardening practices, join me for a workshop on Garden Design.

Explore my workshops:

~ Garden Design with Natasha Morgan – Craft a garden that balances structure, beauty, and functionality.

~  The Productive Garden with Natasha Morgan – Learn how to grow abundantly, no matter your space.

~ The Wicking Bed Garden with Natasha Morgan – Build a self-watering, water-wise garden for effortless growing.

~ Preserving The Seasons with Natasha Morgan – Capture seasonal flavours with time-honoured preserving techniques.

~ Introduction to Backyard Chicken Keeping with Saffron and Natasha  – Learn how to raise happy, healthy chickens at home.

Natasha xx

For glimpses into workshops, daily life, and my thoughts from Little Cottage on a Hill, you can find me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. And if you’d like a more personal update, subscribe to my Newsletter for a monthly note on what’s growing, what’s inspiring me, and what’s next.

Click the links below to stay connected—I’d love to have you along for the journey.

Documenting Little Cottage On A Hill: A Garden Designed by Hand

Little Cottage On A Hill is the first garden I have designed without a drawing. No grand plans, no intricate blueprints—just a tape measure, some surveyor's spray paint, a handful of timber pegs, and a head full of ideas. Every line, every pathway, every planting bed was shaped and refined directly on the ground, responding to the site, the council’s nature strip planting guidelines, the seasons, and the way I wanted to live within the space. It has been a completely intuitive process, a deeply personal way of making a garden. The change in scale from Oak and Monkey Puzzle’s five acres to this smaller plot has afforded me the luxury and freedom to design 'on the ground' rather than through drawn plans, allowing the space to evolve naturally with my vision.

Now, as I embark on a very exciting new project (I can't wait to share more about that soon!), I feel it’s time to document this garden properly. And in a departure from my usual approach, I’m joining the technological superhighway! This time, I’ll be capturing the essence of Little Cottage On A Hill digitally, using the drawing app Procreate. My talented daughter, Saffron, has been using it for years for her artwork, and she’s patiently teaching me the ropes. It’s such a joy to be learning a new skill and to see the garden take shape in a whole new way.

This brings me to a question for you—how would you like to see the garden represented? What details would be most helpful, most inspiring? Would you like to see:

- The colours and textures of the planting, bringing the seasonal shifts and layered composition to life?

- Botanical names annotated so you can identify each plant?

- Dimensions of the beds, pathways, and open spaces, to get a sense of the scale and structure of the design?

This drawing will be the first of many for this special new project—think of it as a prototype of sorts. I’d so love your input as I begin this process.

What would be most useful, most exciting for you to see? Let’s shape this together.

Natasha xx

Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, or visit my website for more insights into gardening, sustainable living, and the quiet magic of growing.

Solitude and Connection Through Gardens

There is a quiet presence in a garden. The kind that is felt rather than seen—the rustle of leaves shifting in the breeze, the hum of pollinators moving from bloom to bloom, the slow exhale of the earth after rain. To stand within it, hands in the soil, is to be held by something larger than oneself.

People often think of gardening as a solitary act, but I have never found myself alone in a garden. Whether in the sprawling expanse of Oak & Monkey Puzzle or the intimate confines of Little Cottage On A Hill, I have always been surrounded—by the unseen networks beneath my feet, the birds and insects that move through the landscape, and the shifting rhythms of the seasons.

Gardening is an act of connection. It is a dialogue, a conversation without words. The soil responds to our touch, plants lean towards our care, and in return, we are nourished—not just with food but with something deeper, something instinctive. When we nurture and nourish the earth, we nourish and nurture ourselves.

Part of Something Greater

Humans are not separate from nature. We are not visitors or caretakers—we are participants. There is no ‘other’ when it comes to the land; we are woven into its fabric, as much a part of the cycle as the rain that feeds the roots or the fungi that thread through the earth.

This is why a garden, no matter how small, holds such power. It is a reflection of this interconnectedness, a reminder that every action ripples outward. A seed planted is not just the beginning of a plant—it is a commitment, an agreement between you and the land. You tend to it, and in return, it sustains you, offering beauty, nourishment, and a place to rest.

The Solitude of Gardening

There is a certain solitude in gardening, but it is not loneliness. It is the kind that allows you to slow down, to listen, to be fully present. The kind that quiets the noise of the world and makes space for something deeper—intuition, instinct, knowing.

I often find myself alone in the garden as the day draws to a close, the golden light casting long shadows, the air cooling after the heat of the afternoon. These are the moments that shape me, that ground me. The hum of bees still lingers in the air, weaving between the last blooms of the day, and the earth, warmed by the sun, releases its scent. There is no rush, no expectation—only the quiet rhythm of my breath and the land settling into the night.

Gardens as Places of Connection

For all the solitude a garden offers, it is also where I have built some of my strongest connections. A garden is a gathering place—where hands come together to plant and harvest, where stories are shared over a basket of just-picked produce, where skills and knowledge are passed from one generation to the next.

At Oak & Monkey Puzzle, this was at the heart of everything I created—a space where people could come together to learn, to share, to build something greater than themselves. At Little Cottage On A Hill, this spirit continues, in the small acts of tending and growing, in the workshops where hands meet soil, in the quiet moments where a garden teaches more than words ever could.

A Reflection of Life Itself

A garden is never just a collection of plants. It is a reflection of the seasons, of time passing, of growth and renewal. It mirrors our own lives—the stillness and the storms, the moments of dormancy and the bursts of abundance.

To be in a garden is to be reminded of this. To know that we are part of something far greater than ourselves. That in tending the earth, we are tending to our own well-being. That in seeking solitude, we find connection.

And so, when I wander the garden in the evening light, I do so knowing that I am never alone. The land, the seasons, the unseen rhythms of life—they are all there, waiting, reminding me that I belong.

Would you like to cultivate a deeper connection with your garden?

Explore my workshops, where we bring hands to soil and stories to life.

Natasha xx

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Watering Deeply: The Key to Thriving, Resilient Plants

Watering is one of the simplest yet most misunderstood aspects of gardening. It’s easy to fall into the habit of a quick sprinkle every day, thinking we’re doing the right thing. But in reality, this approach does more harm than good. Instead, watering deeply and less frequently is the key to nurturing strong, resilient plants that can withstand the extremes of our climate.

What Does Deep Watering Mean?

Deep watering is about ensuring moisture reaches the entire root zone of a plant rather than just wetting the surface of the soil. When you water deeply, the water soaks into the soil, encouraging roots to grow further down in search of moisture. This is in stark contrast to a light sprinkle, which only wets the top few centimetres of soil and encourages shallow roots that are more vulnerable to heat, drought, and fluctuations in weather.

The Benefits of Watering Deeply

• Encourages Deep Root Growth

When plants develop deep roots, they can access moisture stored further down in the soil, making them more self-sufficient. This means they require less frequent watering and are far better equipped to cope with dry spells.

• Reduces Water Waste

A light sprinkle often evaporates before it can penetrate the soil, particularly in the heat of the day. Deep watering allows moisture to reach the root zone, where it’s needed most, reducing runoff and wastage.

• Promotes Plant Resilience

Plants with deeper root systems are more resilient to environmental stress. Whether it’s a scorching summer or an unexpected dry period, they can draw on the moisture stored deeper in the soil, reducing their dependency on irrigation.

• Improves Soil Health

Regular, deep watering encourages beneficial microbial activity in the soil, which in turn supports plant health. A well-hydrated soil structure retains nutrients more effectively, leading to stronger, more productive plants.

How to Water Deeply and Effectively

1. Water Less Often, But for Longer

Rather than giving your plants a quick sprinkle every day, aim to water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the season and soil type. This allows the moisture to soak in and encourages roots to grow deeper.

2. Use the Right Method

Soaker hoses, drip irrigation, or slow, steady watering with a hose at the base of plants ensures the water is delivered where it’s needed—at root level—without unnecessary evaporation.

3. Water Early or Late in the Day

Watering in the early morning or late afternoon reduces evaporation and ensures the water has time to penetrate before the heat of the day sets in.

4. Mulch to Retain Moisture

A thick layer of organic mulch (such as straw, bark, or compost) around plants helps lock in moisture, reducing the frequency of watering while keeping the soil cool.

5. Check Soil Moisture

To gauge whether your plants truly need watering, dig a few centimetres into the soil with your hand. If it’s dry below the surface, it’s time to water. If it’s still moist, you can hold off.

Watering for a More Sustainable Garden

By shifting away from frequent shallow watering and embracing deep watering techniques, you’re not only saving time and water—you’re also fostering a garden that is more independent, resilient, and in tune with natural cycles. Plants that learn to seek moisture deep in the soil will reward you with stronger growth, increased productivity, and the ability to withstand the harsh conditions so common in our climate.

If you’d like to dive deeper into sustainable gardening practices, join me for a workshop on productive gardening.

Explore my workshops:

~ Garden Design with Natasha Morgan – Craft a garden that balances structure, beauty, and functionality.

~  The Productive Garden with Natasha Morgan – Learn how to grow abundantly, no matter your space.

~ The Wicking Bed Garden with Natasha Morgan – Build a self-watering, water-wise garden for effortless growing.

~ Preserving The Seasons with Natasha Morgan – Capture seasonal flavours with time-honoured preserving techniques.

~ Introduction to Backyard Chicken Keeping with Saffron and Natasha  – Learn how to raise happy, healthy chickens at home.

And don’t forget to follow along on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and my Newsletter for more gardening wisdom.

Thanks so much for following along.

Natasha xx

The Hands That Grow and Cook: A Visit to Bar Midland’s Productive Garden

Bar Midland: A Testament to Sustainability, Provenance, and the Beauty of Productive Gardens

There is something undeniably special about walking through a garden where food is grown with intention—where each leaf, each root, each flower is nurtured not just for sustenance, but as part of a philosophy that honours the land, the seasons, and the act of growing itself. This is precisely what I experienced when I visited Bar Midland’s chef, Alex Marano, and his garden in Chewton, where much of the produce for the restaurant is cultivated.

Nestled in the heart of Castlemaine, Bar Midland is more than just a restaurant—it’s a living, breathing expression of sustainability, provenance, and a deep commitment to the land. Every dish that graces the tables at Bar Midland tells a story of its origins, its growers, and the careful stewardship that ensures its quality. Their approach to food is one that resonates deeply with my own beliefs about productive gardens and living well.

The Chewton Garden: Growing with Purpose

Chef Alex and his wife Dani have created a garden that is more than a source of produce—it is a reflection of their values. Here, the food is grown without chemicals, guided by organic and regenerative practices that enrich the soil and support biodiversity. This thoughtful, hands-on approach ensures that the ingredients used in Bar Midland’s kitchen are fresh, flavourful, and inherently connected to place.

Walking through their garden, I was reminded of why I champion productive gardens—not just as spaces to cultivate food, but as living ecosystems that sustain us, both physically and emotionally. A truly productive garden is not simply about yield; it is about working in symbiosis with nature, creating balance, and fostering abundance in a way that is restorative rather than extractive.

A Menu that Celebrates Provenance

Bar Midland’s menu is a reflection of the rich landscape of Victoria. They celebrate ingredients that are indigenous to this land, as well as introduced species that have become part of our culinary fabric. Their ethos extends beyond traditional farm-to-table concepts, embracing regenerative agriculture, foraged ingredients, and wild foods. Even the wine list is carefully curated to showcase the best of Victorian growers and makers, reinforcing their hyper-local approach.

One remarkable example of their commitment to provenance is Alex’s approach to sugar. Given that sugar is not commercially grown in Victoria, he has taken it upon himself to grow sugar beets and produce his own sweetener. This resourcefulness ensures that even the most fundamental ingredients align with Bar Midland’s ethos of sourcing and creating everything as locally as possible.

This philosophy speaks to the power of provenance—of knowing where our food comes from and valuing the hands that grow it. It is an approach that echoes through my own work with productive gardens and preserving, where every decision is guided by an appreciation for the land and the rhythms of the seasons.

Sustainability as a Way of Life

Sustainability is often discussed in the context of food, but at Bar Midland, it is embedded in every aspect of their operations. From their relationships with local farmers and producers to their commitment to minimising waste, sustainability is not a marketing buzzword—it is a way of life. They honour the traditional custodians of the land, the Jaara Jaara people of Dja Dja Wurrung Country, and work in a way that respects and uplifts the land’s natural cycles.

This is the essence of true sustainability—not just growing food responsibly, but considering how each choice impacts the broader landscape. It is about connection, stewardship, and a genuine respect for the intricate web of life that supports us.

Overcoming Challenges: Managing Kikuyu Grass Organically

One of the greatest challenges Alex has faced in establishing his garden is the relentless spread of kikuyu grass. Given his commitment to organic practices and his refusal to use chemical sprays, he has developed a strategic three-year plan to eradicate this invasive weed. The process begins with laying down plastic sheeting, which is then covered with mulch, effectively smothering the kikuyu over time.

In the meantime, much of his produce is grown in large above-ground garden beds and pots, allowing him to cultivate a diverse range of vegetables and herbs without interference from the encroaching grass. This approach is a testament to the fact that constraints often create opportunities. His efforts demonstrate that if a restaurant can successfully grow its own produce in pots and raised garden beds, then anyone—regardless of space limitations—can cultivate something meaningful, whether on a balcony, in a courtyard, or within a small backyard.

Living Well Through Connection to Land and Food

Visiting Alex’s garden and experiencing Bar Midland’s approach to food reaffirmed my belief that living well is deeply tied to our connection with the land. When we grow, harvest, cook, and eat with mindfulness, we nourish more than just our bodies—we cultivate a way of life that is fulfilling, rooted, and sustainable.

Bar Midland is a shining example of what is possible when food is treated as more than a commodity. It is a place where every ingredient has a story, where sustainability and provenance are woven into each dish, and where the act of dining becomes an experience of connection—to the land, to the growers, and to the community.

In many ways, their approach mirrors my own ethos with productive gardens—creating beauty and abundance in a way that is thoughtful, intentional, and always in symbiosis with nature. It is a reminder that good food is not just about taste, but about the journey it takes to reach our plates, and the values that shape its path.

https://www.barmidland.com/

If you’re passionate about sustainable gardening, provenance, and the beauty of growing your own food, explore my workshops and resources. Join me in cultivating a life that is abundant, connected, and in tune with the rhythms of nature.

Explore my workshops:

~ Garden Design with Natasha Morgan – Craft a garden that balances structure, beauty, and functionality.

~  The Productive Garden with Natasha Morgan – Learn how to grow abundantly, no matter your space.

~ The Wicking Bed Garden with Natasha Morgan – Build a self-watering, water-wise garden for effortless growing.

~ Preserving The Seasons with Natasha Morgan – Capture seasonal flavours with time-honoured preserving techniques.

~ Introduction to Backyard Chicken Keeping with Saffron and Natasha  – Learn how to raise happy, healthy chickens at home.

Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube | Subscribe to my newsletter

Thanks so much for following along—I love sharing this journey with you.

Natasha xx

Hydrangea Paniculata: A Year-Round Beauty in the Garden

There are few plants in my garden that offer as much beauty and seasonal transformation as Hydrangea paniculata. From the moment its blooms emerge in early summer, shifting through a palette of colours with the changing seasons, to the way it holds onto its flowers deep into winter—this is a plant that never fails to bring joy.

A Symphony of Colour Through the Seasons

The first time I planted Hydrangea paniculata, it came without a cultivar name, yet its beauty was undeniable. Over the last decade, I have propagated it from winter cuttings, carrying its legacy from one garden to the next, from Oak & Monkey Puzzle to Little Cottage on a Hill. Each cutting tells a story, a reminder of the way gardens evolve yet remain connected through plants passed on with care.

The flowers start out in a soft green hue before transforming into creamy whites, blush pinks, and deeper rose tones. As the season progresses, they shift into rich burgundy, burnt amber, and, finally, golden hues in winter. Even as the blooms fade, they leave behind a sculptural filigree of veins, a delicate, skeletal beauty that holds its own against the starkness of winter.

Growing Hydrangea Paniculata

Unlike the more delicate mophead hydrangeas, Hydrangea paniculata thrives in full sun and is significantly hardier. It flourishes in cool to temperate climates, easily handling frost and winter dormancy before bursting back into life in spring. Well-drained soil enriched with compost will support vigorous growth, but beyond that, it’s a remarkably resilient plant requiring little maintenance.

• Sun & Position: Prefers full sun to part shade. More sun encourages the strongest flower colour.

• Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost or organic matter.

• Watering: Requires regular watering in the first year but becomes more drought-tolerant once established.

• Pruning: Best pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Cutting back encourages a fresh flush of large, showy flowers.

• Propagation: Easily propagated from winter hardwood cuttings—a technique I’ve used for years to continue its presence in my gardens.

Uses in the Garden & Beyond

Beyond its sheer beauty, Hydrangea paniculata is a workhorse in the garden. It makes an exceptional hedge or mass planting, offering a bold display of floral drama. When planted en masse, it creates a breathtaking wave of seasonal colour and texture.

For florists, it’s a dream. The fresh blooms are perfect for extravagant wedding arbours, centrepieces, and bouquets. As they dry, their form remains intact, lending themselves to hanging installations and arrangements that carry the beauty of the season forward.

Where to Source Hydrangea Paniculata

Once difficult to find, Hydrangea paniculata is now much easier to source, with many cultivars available to suit different garden styles and preferences. Whether you're looking for classic varieties or more unique selections, here are some great places to find them in Australia:

• Woodbridge Nursery – Website | Instagram: @woodbridge_nursery

• Woodside Plants & Design – Website | Instagram: @woodsideplantsanddesign

• Lambley Nursery – Website | Instagram: @lambley_nursery

These nurseries offer a variety of cultivars, from the elegant ‘Grandiflora’ to the blush-toned ‘Pink Diamond.’ Whether you're looking to create a bold hedge, a feature planting, or floristry material, these sources provide excellent quality plants ready for your garden.

A Lasting Presence

Now, in the height of summer here in Daylesford, Victoria, Hydrangea paniculata is in full bloom, its flowers catching the golden light of the season. It reminds me that beauty in the garden is not just about fleeting moments but about plants that evolve, adapt, and offer something at every stage of the year. This is why Hydrangea paniculata remains one of my most treasured plants, a constant presence through changing seasons and changing gardens.

For anyone seeking a plant that delivers on beauty, resilience, and versatility, this is the one. A true garden companion, from the first flush of summer green to the golden glow of winter.

If the seasonal beauty of Hydrangea Paniculata has inspired you, I’d love to welcome you to one of my upcoming workshops at Little Cottage on a Hill, Daylesford. Whether you’re looking to design your garden oasis, cultivate a productive and beautifully abundant space, or explore skills in preserving, sustainability and seasonal living, my workshops offer hands-on learning in an intimate, inspiring setting.

Upcoming Workshops:

~ Garden Design with Natasha Morgan – Craft a garden that balances structure, beauty, and functionality.

~  The Productive Garden with Natasha Morgan – Learn how to grow abundantly, no matter your space.

~ The Wicking Bed Garden with Natasha Morgan – Build a self-watering, water-wise garden for effortless growing.

~ Preserving The Seasons with Natasha Morgan – Capture seasonal flavours with time-honoured preserving techniques.

~ Introduction to Backyard Chicken Keeping with Saffron and Natasha  – Learn how to raise happy, healthy chickens at home.

Stay connected for more seasonal inspiration:

Thanks so much for following along—I love sharing this journey with you.

Natasha xx

Growing Soil: The Foundation to Vibrant Gardens and Nutrient-Dense Plants

When it comes to gardening, there’s a prevailing mindset that plants are the focus—after all, they’re the ones that bear the flowers, fruit, and greenery we cherish. However, over the years, I’ve come to realise that the true key to a thriving garden lies not in the plants themselves, but in the soil beneath them. Healthy soil is the silent partner in every garden’s success, providing the essential foundation for plant health, nutrient density, and overall garden vitality. The message I always share with fellow gardeners is this: feed the soil, not the plants.

The philosophy of growing soil might seem a bit backwards at first, but it is through nurturing the soil that we ultimately provide plants with everything they need to flourish. Think of the soil as the heart of the garden—rich in essential nutrients, diverse microorganisms, and the structure required to support healthy plant growth. In the same way that we must care for our own health to feel and perform our best, soil health is integral to a garden’s success.

The Backbone of Soil Health: Structure and Beneficial Microorganisms

A healthy garden starts with healthy soil. The structure of the soil dictates how well water, air, and nutrients are retained and made available to plants. It’s not just about the nutrients that exist in the soil, but also the way those nutrients interact with the roots. Soil rich in organic matter provides a more balanced and thriving environment for plant roots to access minerals, water, and air.

The richness of soil goes far beyond its mineral content. Beneath the surface, a vibrant community of beneficial microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, and earthworms work tirelessly to break down organic matter, making nutrients available to plants in a natural and sustainable way. These microorganisms also enhance soil structure, improve water retention, and boost plant resilience. In fact, many plants are able to access the nutrients they need only because of the interaction between their roots and these beneficial organisms.

The concept of growing soil essentially means fostering this community of life—encouraging the soil’s microbiome to thrive, which in turn supports the plants. This approach is central to the notion that we must feed the soil, not the plants. When you focus on soil health, you’re not just adding fertiliser to make plants grow faster; you’re creating an ecosystem where plants can take up nutrients as nature intended, resulting in healthier, more nutrient-dense produce.

Why Soil Health Matters: A Holistic Approach to Gardening

Soil health affects everything—from the growth of plants to the flavour of your vegetables. If your soil is well-nourished and full of life, your plants will thrive without the need for synthetic chemicals or constant fertilisation. Nutrient density, particularly in food crops, directly correlates with the health of the soil. If the soil lacks the proper minerals and microorganisms, plants struggle to absorb nutrients, and the result is less flavourful and less nutritious produce.

A good example of this is the way we see our food garden versus ornamental or lawn-based gardens. While all gardens benefit from good soil, vegetable gardens—where you’re looking to maximise yield and nutrient density—particularly rely on the richness of the soil to deliver the nutrition you need from your harvest. The more diverse and active the soil ecosystem, the better the flavour, the more vibrant the colours, and the higher the nutritional content.

How to Grow Soil

There are a number of practices I follow to build and maintain healthy soil in the garden, ensuring it remains the foundation for plant growth. 

One of the simplest and most effective methods is the no-dig approach, which aligns perfectly with my philosophy of minimal disruption. Digging and tilling can harm the soil’s delicate structure, disrupt beneficial organisms, and lead to erosion and compaction over time. No-dig gardening allows the soil’s ecosystem to flourish undisturbed, creating a healthy, living environment for plants.

In a no-dig garden, organic matter such as compost, mulch, or even lawn clippings are added to the top of the soil, where they break down slowly, feeding the microorganisms and enriching the soil with vital nutrients. 

Over time, these additions form a fertile layer that not only nurtures plant life but also improves water retention and prevents soil erosion. This method also saves time and energy while giving you more space to focus on growing your garden’s beauty and abundance.

Another crucial practice in growing soil is crop rotation, which helps prevent soil depletion. By rotating what you grow in different areas each year, you prevent any one set of nutrients from being overused and ensure that your soil remains balanced. Including deep-rooted plants like legumes (peas and beans) can also help to fix nitrogen in the soil, while other crops will absorb different minerals, keeping the soil in good health.

If you want to further enhance soil health, consider planting green manure crops. Varieties such as clover, mustard, or fava beans are ideal for enriching the soil by adding organic matter and nutrients, particularly nitrogen. These fast-growing plants are typically cut down before they flower and can be left to decompose on the surface, where they slowly break down and return vital nutrients to the soil. This natural process not only boosts fertility but also improves soil structure, enhancing water retention and aeration. Green manure crops help increase microbial activity and add valuable organic matter, supporting a healthy, balanced soil ecosystem that benefits plant growth for the long term. It’s a technique I’ve had huge success with when it comes to promoting good soil structure, especially in heavy soils.

A Sustainable Approach to Soil

Ultimately, soil is the unsung hero of every successful garden. By understanding that it is the soil we’re growing, not just the plants, we tap into a much more sustainable and rewarding approach to gardening.

Matthew Evans, in his book Soil, strongly advocates for seeing soil as a living, dynamic system that needs to be nurtured with organic matter, minimal disturbance, and biodiversity. His philosophy encourages gardeners to grow their soil first, which will naturally lead to healthy, thriving plants and a more sustainable gardening practice. For further insight into Evans’ approach, his book Soil is an excellent resource. 

By shifting our focus to nourishing the soil—through practices such as no-dig gardening, crop rotation, composting, and cover cropping—we create a lasting, fertile foundation that will support vibrant, nutrient-dense plants for years to come. Soil health isn’t just about feeding plants; it’s about fostering a thriving ecosystem that supports life, enriches the environment, and ultimately helps you grow a healthier, more resilient garden.

Take a moment to pause, observe, and appreciate the incredible life happening beneath your feet. In doing so, you’ll begin to understand the profound impact that soil health has on your garden’s success. After all, a garden begins with the soil—and so does its true potential.

Further Reading and Resources

• Matthew Evans’ Soil - An in-depth exploration of soil health, its role in sustainable gardening, and practical advice on building vibrant, living soil ecosystems.

• YouTube Video: “Growing and Nurturing Soil Health” - Watch Matthew Evans’ conversation with Nick Ritar of Milkwood that further delves into the importance of soil health for creating sustainable, thriving gardens. Watch it here.

Design Toolkit Series: Mowing as a Design Gesture

Mowing may not seem the most obvious tool in a designer’s kit, but it is one of the most immediate and powerful techniques for sculpting a space. Simple, cost-effective, and deeply responsive to the land, mowing offers an opportunity to create form and function with nothing more than a line of grass cut at a different height.

At Oak & Monkey Puzzle, mowing was a key device in my garden design. It allowed me to carve out pathways, define sightlines, and create a rhythm in the landscape that responded to the shifting light and seasons. The visual simplicity of mown paths set against swathes of wild meadows created a striking interplay of order and abundance. 

Mowing as a Design Technique

Mowing is immediate. It offers a way to test ideas without the permanence or cost of hardscaping. With a mower in hand, you can define edges, trace pathways, and sculpt clearings—all with the quiet satisfaction of moving through the landscape in real time. The result is a beautifully functional, three-dimensional form that is both dynamic and low-maintenance.

A Quiet Caution: Sharing Spaces with Wildlife

Of course, when working with meadows and long grass, the question of snakes often arises. It’s a fair question, and one I’m always mindful of—particularly living in the Australian landscape where wildlife thrives in all its forms.

For me, inhabiting spaces is as much about being mindful as it is about design. Long grass and meadows create habitats for insects, birds, and yes, occasionally snakes. But this is their home too, and with respect and quiet caution, we can all live together.

It’s a lesson I’ve passed on to my children. I always remind them: never walk through long grass. Stick to the mown paths, where you can see clearly underfoot. This simple rule keeps us safe and allows us to move through the garden with care and awareness.

Wildlife has every right to be there—it’s a vital part of the ecosystem that makes these spaces so rich and alive. Snakes, like all creatures, tend to avoid areas of high human activity, so well-used paths and clearings naturally become safer routes. Keeping grass short in the areas where you gather or walk regularly is both practical and reassuring.

Creating Sightlines

In design, a sightline draws the eye to a focal point—be it a distant tree, a piece of architecture, or a bench that offers respite. At Oak & Monkey Puzzle, mowing became my way of choreographing a visitor’s journey. Imagine walking through waist-high meadows, the grasses swaying, with a neatly mown path underfoot. The pathway beckons, drawing the eye ahead. Beyond, a clearing emerges, framed intentionally to celebrate a view or create pause.

This approach highlights the importance of contrast—wild and clipped, light and dark, loose and precise. A mown path is as much about movement as it is about stillness.

Three-Dimensionality and Texture

Grass can be sculptural. When left to grow, it introduces height, texture, and movement. Mowing introduces a contrasting layer—one that creates depth, much like contouring on a map. Short grass becomes a ‘void’, a clearing or pathway where the land is revealed, while the taller grasses rise up as textural ‘walls’, framing these openings.

This technique is particularly impactful in smaller spaces, where every element must work harder. A single mown path through a field of wildflowers, for example, is both practical and poetic—an invitation to explore and an aesthetic gesture.

Paths, Clearings, and Alleys

Paths invite movement. Clearings create gathering spaces. Alleys frame views. All of these can be achieved through mowing. By varying the width, shape, and direction of your mown areas, you can transform the experience of a garden or meadow.

• Paths: Define a journey through your space. Think of winding paths through wildflower meadows or direct, formal lines that draw the eye to a central feature.

• Clearings: Open areas where the grass is kept short can act as rooms within the garden. Perfect for gatherings, benches, or simply moments of pause.

• Alleys: Long, straight mown strips create a sense of order and grandeur, even in an informal setting. They act as ‘hallways’, guiding visitors and creating sightlines to key features.

Low Cost, High Impact

One of the joys of mowing as a design tool is its accessibility. There’s no need for expensive materials or permanent structures—just a mower and a willingness to experiment. It’s a practice that aligns beautifully with my philosophy of working in symbiosis with the land. The existing grasses (‘weeds’ even!), meadows, and contours of the site are celebrated, not altered, and mowing becomes a way to highlight their beauty.

Designing with nature means embracing this balance. By observing, respecting, and gently coexisting, we can create gardens that are not only beautiful and productive but also teeming with life—just as they should be.

Bringing it to Your Garden

Whether you’re working with a sprawling meadow or a small patch of lawn, mowing offers endless possibilities:

1. Start Small: Experiment with a simple mown path through long grass. Observe how it transforms the space.

2. Embrace Contrast: Let grasses or perennials grow wild around your mown lines. The difference in texture and height will enhance the design.

3. Create Frames: Use mown clearings to create space around key features—trees, sculptures, or seating.

4. Think Temporarily: Mown lines can shift and change. Test ideas without permanence, adapting to the seasons or your mood.

A Gesture of Care

Ultimately, mowing is a gesture of care—one that acknowledges the land’s existing beauty while offering a light, considered touch. It’s a technique that is as much about restraint as it is about intervention. In this way, the act of mowing becomes a reflection of our relationship with the garden: one of observation, collaboration, and respect.

At Little Cottage on a Hill, where space is precious and every element must contribute, mowing continues to be a powerful tool for creating order, beauty, and function. It is proof that great design doesn’t need to cost the earth—it can begin with something as simple as the sweep of a mower across grass.

So, next time you take to the mower, consider it not as a chore, but as a design gesture—a way of sculpting, experimenting, and collaborating with the land, while moving through it mindfully and with care.

Designing Gardens for All Seasons

Designing Gardens for Every Season: A Personal Reflection

Gardens, like the landscapes they inhabit, are storytellers. With every turn of the season, they whisper tales of change, resilience, and quiet beauty. From the tender green shoots of spring to summer’s exuberant crescendo, the muted richness of autumn, and the stark, sculptural lines of winter, a garden evolves—a narrative in motion.

At Little Cottage on a Hill, I’ve come to cherish this seasonal rhythm, weaving it into the very fabric of my garden’s design. Each element has a purpose, a role to play across the year, ensuring the space feels alive and beautiful, no matter the time.

Here’s how I approach designing gardens for all seasons, where structure and plant selection work in symbiosis to create a landscape that feels timeless and ever-changing.

The Backbone of the Garden: Structure Across Seasons

When blossoms fade and foliage retreats, structure is what remains. It’s the backbone of a garden, holding everything together through the quiet months. In my garden, clipped spheres of Buxus provide a thread of continuity, their evergreen forms anchoring each space with a quiet elegance. These sculptural shapes endure through every season, offering a constant amidst nature’s ebb and flow.

Hedges, too, play an invaluable role. Whether it’s the glossy green of Portuguese laurel or the steadfast presence of yew, hedges create enclosures, guide the eye, and bring a sense of rhythm to the garden. They’re living architecture—soft yet strong, functional yet beautiful.

Paths and walls add another layer of structure. Gravel pathways curve through planting beds, inviting exploration, while stone walls weather with age, their textures deepening the garden’s story. Even vertical trellises lend height and a touch of whimsy, transforming bare walls into canvases for climbers that change with the seasons.

Plants That Earn Their Place

In a smaller garden, every plant must pull its weight. There’s little room for those that offer only fleeting moments of beauty. Instead, I seek out plants that contribute across multiple seasons—plants that evolve with time, revealing new facets as the year unfolds.

• Hydrangea Paniculata: Summer sees its conical blooms in full glory, but even as they fade, their papery forms bring a delicate beauty to winter’s starkness.

• Echinacea: Bright, pollinator-friendly flowers in summer give way to seed heads that stand tall in autumn and catch the frost’s sparkle in winter.

• Miscanthus: Ornamental grasses like this bring movement and texture. Their golden tones in winter soften the garden’s edges, a reminder of warmth even in the coldest months.

• Cornus alba (red-stemmed dogwood): It’s in the depth of winter that this plant truly shines, its vivid red stems a striking contrast against muted backdrops.

These are the quiet achievers of the garden, their beauty unfurling with the seasons, always offering something new.

Celebrating Seasonality in Design

Garden designers like Piet Oudolf have shown us how to embrace seasonality with grace and creativity. His planting designs, characterised by drifts of perennials and grasses, are a masterclass in letting plants express their full life cycles—from their exuberant peak to their quiet decline. Oudolf’s gardens, such as the High Line in New York, demonstrate the power of seed heads, faded flowers, and winter stems to carry a garden through its quieter months.

Other designers who excel in creating year-round interest include:

• Dan Pearson: His work often feels like a conversation with the landscape, integrating naturalistic planting with a sensitivity to structure. His Millennium Forest project in Japan is a stunning example of how structure and planting create a narrative across the seasons.

• Nigel Dunnett: Known for his innovative approach to sustainable planting, Dunnett’s schemes use perennials, annuals, and grasses to create dynamic, seasonally evolving gardens, such as the Olympic Park in London.

• Arne Maynard: His formal gardens often combine traditional clipped shapes with naturalistic planting. The juxtaposition of structure and wildness creates an ever-evolving interplay between control and spontaneity.

• Sarah Price: With an emphasis on texture, light, and movement, her designs celebrate the changing seasons, often drawing on natural landscapes for inspiration.

Designing for Small Spaces

In my own garden at Little Cottage On A Hill, every element has to work hard. Plants that offer a singular moment of beauty—a “one-hit wonder”—simply don’t have a place. By combining structure with hardworking plants and designing with the seasons in mind, even the smallest garden can feel expansive and dynamic.

Think about layering: the interplay of bulbs in spring, perennials in summer, and seed heads in autumn, all underpinned by structural elements like clipped shrubs or a carefully placed trellis. Consider planting for transitions—how does one season flow into the next? Choose plants that soften the edges and draw the eye through the space, making the garden feel larger and more unified.

A Reflection on the Seasons

Gardening for all seasons is, at its heart, an act of mindfulness. It’s about pausing to witness the frost glinting on a seed head, the warmth of winter stems catching the light, or the promise held in the first green shoots of spring.

By designing with structure, selecting hardworking plants, and embracing the rhythm of the seasons, we create gardens that not only endure but bring endless joy. Whether you’re working with acres of land or a tiny urban courtyard, this approach ensures your space remains alive with beauty and meaning.

As the seasons shift, so too does the garden. And in those quiet moments—when we stop to marvel at a seed head or trace the curve of a path—we find ourselves connected, not just to the earth beneath our feet but to the passage of time itself.

Here’s to designing gardens that carry us through every season, reminding us of the wonder that lies in change.

The Healing Power of Gardening: Why It’s Good for You

When I step into the garden, I’m reminded of why I’ve dedicated so much of my life to cultivating these beautiful spaces. For me, a garden is far more than just a patch of earth; it’s a sanctuary, a place of healing, and a connection to the rhythms of nature. As someone who is most at peace and ease in gardens, I know first hand the profound impact they have on our physical and mental well-being.

Fit, Strong, and Happy

Gardening isn’t just about growing plants; it’s also about nurturing ourselves. Every time I pick up a spade, bend down to plant a seed, or carry a watering can, I’m engaging in a full-body workout without even realising it. Gardening keeps me fit, strong, and agile. It engages muscles, improves flexibility, and builds strength. Studies have shown that those who garden are more physically active than those who don’t. Even spending a little extra time in the garden each day can bring the same health benefits as a session at the gym, without the need for weights or treadmills.

Research reveals that just 30 to 50 minutes of gardening can burn as many calories as a brisk walk, a bike ride, or a short jog. But what I find most remarkable is how it engages every part of the body in a gentle, natural way. Whether it’s digging, lifting, or pruning, each task helps build cardiovascular health, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce the risk of chronic conditions like stroke, diabetes, and heart disease.

Boosting Our Defences

For me, one of the greatest gifts of gardening is its ability to support our immune systems. Spending time among plants exposes us to beneficial microorganisms in the soil that help strengthen our immunity. I’ve always believed there’s something special about working with the earth, and science backs this up. Research indicates that the act of gardening reduces stress hormones, like cortisol, and increases the release of endorphins — those feel-good chemicals that improve our mood.

In Japan, the practice of shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” has been found to enhance immune function, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. I think of gardening as a kind of mini forest bathing experience — one that’s right in our back gardens. There’s also growing evidence that the soil itself has a positive impact on our health, thanks to its ability to expose us to natural bacteria that can boost our immune response.

A Feast for the Senses

Gardening is an experience that engages all of our senses. There’s a unique joy in the smell of fresh soil, the sound of birdsong, the sight of vibrant blooms, the texture of leaves, and even the taste of freshly picked herbs. For me, there’s no greater pleasure than walking through a garden, inhaling the scents of rosemary, thyme, and lavender — it’s like aromatherapy for the soul.

It’s no wonder studies have found that being surrounded by green spaces can significantly reduce anxiety and improve mental health. The colours and textures of plants have been shown to reduce blood pressure, pulse rate, and muscle tension, creating a sense of calm and relaxation. When I’m designing a garden, I always think about how it will appeal to the senses — how it will make people feel. It’s about creating spaces that are not just visually stunning, but also soothing, restorative, and invigorating.

Toxin Trappers and Climate Champions

Another aspect of gardening that I’m passionate about is its role in improving our environment. Plants act as natural “toxin trappers,” absorbing harmful pollutants from the air and releasing oxygen. They help reduce carbon dioxide levels, mitigate the effects of climate change, and even prevent soil erosion. I love the idea that every flower we plant, every tree we nurture, is helping to clean the air and protect our planet.

Gardening also fosters a sense of responsibility and care for the world around us. By creating spaces that attract birds, bees, and other wildlife, we’re encouraging biodiversity and building a healthier ecosystem. It’s all part of a bigger picture — one where we’re not just nurturing our own well-being, but also contributing to the health of our community and our planet.

Why Gardening Matters

There are countless ways that gardening improves our health and well-being, but for me, it’s about something deeper. It’s about the connection we feel to the earth, to the seasons, and to the cycle of life. Gardening is a reminder that we are part of a larger, living world — one that needs our care and attention.

So, whether you have a sprawling garden or just a few potted herbs on your windowsill, take a moment to connect with nature. Spend time tending to your plants, breathing in the fresh air, and appreciating the small miracles that grow around us every day. After all, the solution to many of life’s problems might just be found right outside our door, in the garden.

No Dig Gardening: Less Work, Healthier Soil

Gardening doesn’t have to be a back-breaking task. When I discovered No Dig Gardening, it was like uncovering a key to healthier soil and less effort in the garden. This method, championed by renowned gardener Charles Dowding, aligns beautifully with my philosophy of working with nature, not against it.

What is No Dig Gardening?

No-Dig gardening means exactly what it sounds like—minimising disturbance to the soil. Traditionally, gardeners would till and turn the soil to prepare it for planting. However, Dowding teaches that by leaving the soil undisturbed and simply adding organic matter on top, you allow the natural soil structure to remain intact. The soil’s ecosystem—its bacteria, fungi, and worms—thrive, leading to healthier plants and fewer weeds.

There are two essential principles to No-Dig gardening:

1. Leave the soil undisturbed as much as possible. You may occasionally need to dig a small hole for planting a tree or cutting out persistent weeds, but overall, the goal is to maintain the soil’s natural structure.

2. Feed the soil from above by adding organic material such as compost to the surface. This replicates what happens in nature when leaves and plant debris decay on the forest floor.

This simple approach has transformed my gardening practices. I no longer spend hours digging or tilling and instead focus on layering organic matter and letting nature take its course. It’s a slower, more intentional way of gardening—one that aligns with my belief in mindful living.

Healthier Soil, Healthier Plants

When we dig or till, we disrupt the intricate network of life in the soil. No-Dig gardening encourages this life to flourish. Worms, bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms break down the organic matter on the surface, enriching the soil and improving its structure. This helps with both moisture retention and drainage—two crucial elements for a productive garden.

Charles Dowding’s research shows that No-Dig gardening not only results in healthier soil but also boosts productivity. In his trials, No-Dig beds consistently produced more food than those that were dug, despite the same amount of compost being applied. By simply allowing the soil to maintain its natural structure, plants can root more deeply and draw on more nutrients.

Less Work, More Reward

One of the joys of No-Dig gardening is how much easier it makes garden maintenance. The layer of compost naturally suppresses weeds, meaning less time spent hoeing and weeding. And because the soil structure remains intact, there’s no need to laboriously dig or turn the soil each season.

Dowding’s experience, backed by over a decade of trials, proves that No-Dig methods save time and effort while delivering better harvests. As he says, “No-Dig makes life easier for us and allows soil life to flourish out of sight, and plants grow more healthily.” I’ve found that this method allows me to focus more on nurturing my plants and enjoying the beauty of my garden rather than constantly battling weeds and compacted soil.

Inspired by Nature

No-Dig gardening is all about working with nature’s systems, not imposing our own. In natural environments like forests, the soil is never dug up. Instead, leaves and organic matter fall to the ground and decompose slowly, enriching the soil from the top down. No-Dig gardening mirrors this process. By applying compost and mulch to the surface, we support the organisms in the soil that help break down organic material and make nutrients available to plants.

This method of gardening isn’t just practical—it’s philosophical. It encourages us to slow down and observe the natural rhythms of the earth, to garden with patience and mindfulness. And the results? Healthier soil, healthier plants, and a deeper connection to the land.

Getting Started with No Dig Gardening

If you’re interested in trying No-Dig gardening for yourself, it’s wonderfully simple to get started. According to Charles Dowding, you can create a No-Dig bed anywhere—even on top of grass or weeds! Here’s how to do it:

1. Lay down cardboard: Start by cutting back any existing plants, then cover the area with cardboard to block light and smother weeds. If the ground is particularly dry, water the cardboard to help it decompose more quickly.

2. Add compost: Spread a layer of compost, about 5-10 cm thick, over the cardboard. This will serve as the growing medium for your plants.

3. Start planting: You can plant directly into the compost layer. As the compost breaks down, the cardboard will decompose, and the soil underneath will improve without being disturbed.

4. Maintain with annual mulching: Each year, add another layer of compost to feed the soil and suppress weeds.

Whether you’re working with clay, silty, or stony soil, No-Dig methods are effective for all soil types. Over time, your soil will become richer and more fertile, supporting a wider variety of plants.

Why No Dig Works Anywhere

While Charles Dowding developed his methods in the UK, no dig gardening works in virtually any climate. Whether you’re gardening in temperate, tropical, or dry environments, the principles of building up organic matter on top of the soil remain the same. At Little Cottage on a Hill, even with a smaller space, I’ve found that no dig allows me to maximise productivity while minimising effort.

The Future of Sustainable Gardening

No dig gardening is more than just a technique; it’s a step towards creating a sustainable, resilient future. By reducing our reliance on chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and by treating the soil as a living, breathing ecosystem, we can cultivate gardens that are healthier for both the environment and ourselves.

Charles Dowding’s work has shown that no dig gardening produces more food with less effort and fewer resources. For me, this method represents a way to reconnect with nature, to live more mindfully, and to embrace a simpler, more sustainable way of life.