Chloe Thomson’s favourite books

Each issue our editor picks some of their favourites — books packed with practical advice, inspiration, beautiful gardens and plenty of ideas to take outside. Here's a selection from 2026.

Why We Garden

By Hannah Moloney

For decades Hannah has wondered: “Why do we garden even when we don’t have to?” To answer the question she went out and asked politicians, artists, community leaders, activists and thousands of ordinary gardeners. This book is the culmination of hundreds of interviews and years of curiosity. Hannah discovers we garden for many reasons: to save money, improve physical and mental health, connect with people and places, heal, express creativity and more. It is more than a gardening book, it’s a joyful exploration of nature and humanity.

Published by Affirm Press

The Mushroomery

By Buttons Mira

The art of growing mushrooms leaves many gardeners feeling a little bamboozled. Terms like spawn, inoculation and pasteurisation can sound more at home in a science lab than in the garden. Thankfully, Buttons’ book sheds plenty of light on the process, guiding readers through growing a range of fungi, including oyster, shiitake and lion’s mane mushrooms. Alongside practical troubleshooting advice, there’s also an extensive recipe section, featuring mushroom-forward dishes ranging from traditional stroganoff to lion’s mane burgers. Buttons even encourages readers not to shy away from tackling a classic beef Wellington… if you dare!

Published by Smith Street Books

The Compact Garden

By Char & Marv Lopez

From their backyard in Toronto, Canada, Char and Marv share their simple guide to creating a thriving compact, organic garden. I particularly like the ‘DIY Projects for Compact Gardens’ chapter (just be ready for some foot and inch conversions) and the ‘Water’ chapter for their practical and creative ideas. The planting calendars are also well designed – you will need to consider our Southern Hemisphere seasons and change timing to suit.

Published by Penguin

Hide & Beak

By Georgia Angus

The illustrations throughout Georgia’s new book are so detailed, with great care taken to show the differences between male and females of the same species. Each double-page spread introduces a new Australian bird, complete with information about the species, where to find them and what to listen for to hear their call. There is also a QR code on many of the birds so you can scan it and hear the bird call for yourself. A brilliant introduction to backyard birdwatching for kids of any age.

Published by Hardie Grant