Inside the latest issue:
Sweet Sanctuary
Arriving back in Australia in 1952 after spending the previous year as a frontline infantry solider in the Korean War, ABC Organic Gardener’s Guest Editor Peter Cundall admits to being bewildered. Having recently left the frontline where hillsides were seething with enormous rats and dotted with hundreds of rotting corpses, Peter explains how the return to “so-called normality” where Australians seemed oblivious to the nightmare unfolding overseas was difficult. Peter found solace amidst the plants, fragrances and serenity of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne. He soon discovered that he was not alone in this sentiment, noticing a small group of recently returned soldiers also searching for peace in the garden. “I realise now we were looking for that steadying assurance found in gardens; that normal life exists, is unshakable, continuous and mostly harmless,” explains Peter.
In “Sweet Sanctuary”,Peter talks to ABC Organic Gardener about the inspiring people he has encountered who have similarly turned to the healing power of gardens as a means of coping with their post-war stress. It’s a powerful reminder that life goes on.
Quince Charming
With mythological status as a symbol of love and fertility, as well as fabulous flowers and fragrant fruit, the ancient quince or “golden apple of the sun” is making a comeback. Believed to be the forbidden fruit that tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, the quince is said to have a 4000-year association with human civilisation. However, in order to appreciate the true value of quinces the fruit must be cooked – a process which in itself is a magical aromatic and sensory experience with the flesh transforming into an intense ruby red. The July/August issue of ABC Organic Gardener provides a comprehensive guide to growing and maintaining quinces. It’s the perfect plant for gardeners who enjoy cooking with the fruits of their labour.
Heads up on Broccoli
The July/August issue of ABC Organic Gardener proves to readers that broccoli is anything but boring, offering creative ways to turn this winter staple into a tasty treat that even the kids will love. High in vitamins and minerals, broccoli is super-versatile and delicious in stir-fries, tossed through pasta and salads or added to soups and curries.
Buried Treasure
To a casual observer it might look like hard work, but according to Guest Editor Peter Cundall, harvesting a successful potato crop is stimulating and exciting. Likening the process of growing a bumper crop of spuds to the delightful anticipation experienced when searching for buried treasure, Peter explains how nothing beats the sheer pleasure of lifting the gleaming nuggets of nutritious food from the soil. The ultimate survival food, potatoes are packed with essential carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Most importantly, they are easy to grow and the perfect crop if you want to dig up the lawn and plant vegies. The July/August issue of ABC Organic Gardener magazine shines the spotlight on these amazing vegetables, the different varieties and their uses in the kitchen, and provides readers with the essentials to grow and harvest this nutritious treasure in their very own backyard.
Winter Liberation
Winter often signals a time of calmness in the garden, a seasonal lull, free of the time-consuming chores that abound during the warmer summer months such as pest control, attending to thirsty crops and tiresome weeding. Jerry Coleby-Willams explains how winter is the ideal time for gardeners to improve the health of their plants and manage problems while they are dormant – focusing in particular on the benefits associated with ‘winter washing’ fruit trees.
