Growing attraction

any books about New Zealand gardens present lushly illustrated journeys through beautifully designed and botanically extraordinary leafy retreats, but you’d be hard pressed to find a perfect lime walk or carefully placed ha-ha in (Otago University Press, $45) instead adopts a down-to-earth approach. The result is a highly entertaining account of how – and why – New Zealanders have created gardens for centuries. In many instances, as Morris reveals, growing crops was a matter of survival for both Māori and Pākehā. But gradually basic necessity was supplanted by creativity and aesthetics as the country eventually discovered a happy balance between the practical and the ornamental, allowing the ubiquitous vege plot to co-exist with Dad’s gladioli and Mum’s roses. The result is like Morris’ book – an entirely satisfying blossoming of illustrations and words. Enthusiastic, informed and entertaining reading.