Sally Osborne’s garden is a place of joy. Somewhere to take the time to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures in life.
She also has written a book called Womanhood. It’s about love, encouragement, comfort eating, bad hair days, sponge cakes and children and everyday situations which women get into. Sally was lovely enough to send us some copies!
Thank you Sally for sharing your garden story with us.
First of all how would you describe your garden? (What do you grow? What is your climate like? )
I live in a suburb in NSW on the outskirts of Canberra. We experience mostly beautiful clear blue skies, although very cold winters and heavy frosts. I like rambling cottage gardens best so I mostly plant the classic old world flowers and herbs.
How did you get started in gardening?
I started gardening in my thirties. I liked the thought of spending time outdoors and the satisfaction of growing my own herbs and vegetables.
What motivates you to get up and garden?
I often look outside my window and want to get outside and garden. I enjoy planting, weeding and watering. It is lovely to smell the scents of my roses and the distinct smells in my herb garden.
What were some of the unexpected hurdles in your garden? How did you deal with them?
I experience a lot of success and a lot of unexpected failures. I have planted a large strawberry patch so my children can have the joy of picking the odd strawberry or two, but unfortunately it seems each and every time that the snails get to them first. I have yet to plan a strategy of attack. I have been told to sprinkle natural bran around them or alternatively broken eggshells to deter the snails. I prefer to not use pesticides.
What were some of the unexpected benefits from gardening?
I find a lot of unexpected benefits from gardening. I feel the satisfaction of seeing the fruits of my labour in growing and harvesting my own herbs and vegetables and picking flowers to display in vases. I feel gardening has therapeutic effects as there is nothing more beneficial than to surround yourself with beauty.
Is there a gardening moment that stands out for you?
Many gardening moments stand out to me. I have nine children so I have had my share of help in my garden. One time my son collected snails and put them into a pair of socks. When I asked what he was doing, he said that he was just helping them get into their sleeping bags. Another time, I went into my garden to find that someone had painted my white roses with bright yellow paint. (I think I read them Alice in Wonderland too many times) Didn’t they paint the roses red?
What has your garden taught you?
Gardening has taught me both patience and perseverance.
If you were a fruit or vegetable, what would you be?
If I were a fruit, I’d like to be a ripe, juicy, sweet strawberry…how stunning to dress in red and wear a green hat!
What tips would you offer first time gardeners?
Tips I would give to a first time gardener is to plant, experiment, get dirty and enjoy the fresh air. Take time out to observe the changes and the beauty in each and every season.
After all, it is the simple things in life that bring us the most pleasure.
Would you like $50 to spend with us? Why not share your garden story with us – we would love to hear it!
Email us – sales@gardenware.com.au with ‘Garden Stories’ in the subject line and will we send you a list of questions. If you are published on our blog, we will offer you a $50 discount code!
