Last summer, I visited Liz Zorab at her farm in Wales. It was only the second time I’d seen her, but we greeted each other like old friends. We’d met a couple of years previous at a gardening event and hit it off immediately – I still remember her coming straight up and introducing herself with the same gentle smile we all know from her YouTube channel. She’s easy to laugh, passionate about growing food, and gives excellent advice, so it’s no wonder we kept in touch over the phone. We caught up properly in the two days I spent with her, and she also showed me the draft version of her new book, The Seasoned Gardener.
Before even reading it, I marvelled that she wrote it so soon after Grounded was released. It’s hard work writing a book and starting a new garden at the same time. I said as much to her, but she brushed it off with a smile. It’s hardly work when you love gardening and want to share it with the world. The words flow easily, like one season into the next, and from one friend to another. That’s one of the best ways I can describe The Seasoned Gardener. Liz has framed her experience of many gardening years into a single seasonal journey through the garden. The way she shares her experiences and advice is personal, though. She may as well have handwritten it just for you.
The Seasoned Gardener reflects the love of a homegrown garden and simple country living. But it’s much more than that; it’s a celebration of every moment we can spend cultivating a life close to the land. Beginning with Autumn and winding through the other seasons, Liz takes us with her as she sows seeds, cares for plants and brings in the harvest. It includes practical tips, garden projects and ideas for growing a low-impact garden. She shares her delight in flowers and seasonal eating and makes us laugh with her in both joy and hard-earned lessons. One that you can’t help but take to heart is her realization to grow what you love. Not just plants for bodily sustenance but plants, especially flowers, that make our souls sing. Her garden is her sanctuary, and she shares how you can create one too. The Seasoned Gardener is sage advice and enjoyable reading from an old gardening friend. It’s an enjoyable read that will get you in the garden at any time of the year.
Spring in the Permaculture Smallholding: seasonal gardening with Liz Zorab
Celebrating the Seasons: Autumn’s wild edge – September to October
Tanya Anderson is the author of A Women’s Garden and Lovely Greens creator.