"From the Ground Up"

The concept for "From the Ground Up" commenced in 2003, the idea was to develop complete and comprehensive garden guides, full of plant pictures specific to each state.

The South Australian edition was first released in 2008, authored by Sophie Thomson, and is now in it's second print. The Victorian edition was launched in Nov 2009 and is authored by Jane Edmanson, and the upcoming New South Wales edition is authored by Linda, Sandra and Graham Ross and is due to be launched in November 2010.

Each book is a collaborative effort utilising the recommendations of many state specific plant experts, combined with the author's vast plant knowledge and experience.

Packed full of magnificent photographs, From the Ground Up will allow you to visually identify everything from the best plants for your garden to the pests and diseases causing your plants grief.

These books will become the ideal reference books for all Australian Gardeners.

South Australian edition

About the Author - Sophie Thomson

Sophie’s passion for plants and gardening was passed on to her by her parents and she cut her teeth working in the family plant nursery.

Sophie is the South Australian presenter for the ABC’s Gardening Australia and she writes for the Gardening Australia Magazine. She also writes the Gardening column for the Sunday Mail and the Adelaide Hills Weekender. She is a popular guest speaker and she has spoken at hundreds of gardening and lifestyle events, garden clubs and plant societies.

Sophie has consulted for a wide variety of South Australian gardens. With a very strong focus on appropriate plant selection, she likes to help her clients develop waterwise gardens that have colour and interest for the whole twelve months of the year. Her enthusiasm and passion for plants and gardening appeals to people of all ages.

Winner of the 2009 Horticultural Media Association Laurels Best Book Award

Available from all good bookstores and garden centres

Victorian edition

About the Author - Jane Edmanson

Coming from a farming background in Mildura, Victoria, where her father grew citrus and mother had a fine garden, Jane has always had a passionate interest in plants and how to grow them. Over the years she has worked in nurseries where she has gained an all round general knowledge of gardeners and their needs.

Jane has been a Victorian presenter for the ABC’s Gardening Australia for over 20 years. She writes for the Gardening Australia Magazine and other publications. She broadcasts on radio 3AW’s Big Backyard and for over 20 years on the radio has answered more lemon tree questions than you would care to count. She has given hundreds of talks to garden clubs, schools and motivational events.

With this background her role today is one of inspiring communities and individuals to raise the awareness of the benefits of gardening to all and sundry. As an ambassador she supports the Horticultural Therapy Association, Sustainable Gardening Australia, Victorian School’s Garden Awards and the Royal Horticultural Society Victoria. She received an Order of Australia for
her services to Horticulture and Education.

Her finger nails are often dirty, and at times her knees ache but she really enjoys getting out into her own garden to weed, plant a vegetable or two and to “stop and smell the roses”.     Book launch Nov 2009 at Flemington Racecourse

Available from all good bookstores and garden centres