The Rookie Gardener: The go-to guide for would-be gardeners with NFI.
by Chloe Foster

Passionate horticulturist Chloe Foster is on a mission to help novice plant parents nail the absolute basics of gardening. Straight talking, information packed, irreverent, inspirational and fun, The Rookie Gardener will enable your joyful transition from horticultural zero to green-thumbed hero.

For readers with absolutely no floriferous idea, the book begins by explaining what a plant actually is. Chapters are set out in the order that you would do things in the garden - because a thorough grounding in the what, why and how of your bit of soil is the first and most important step towards imagining and creating something that perfectly suits you and your needs. To round out your rookie understanding, there are step-by-step projects, horticultural tidbits, suggestions for rabbit-hole reading, checklists, garden hacks and special features (with the generous inclusion of how to grow succulents, the author's most hated plant). As Chloe gently guides you through making your garden, and living in it, she provides insights into growing your own food, creating habitat, treading lightly on the earth (dig out that weed, don't spray it!), and gardening in size-challenged spaces - even if that's just a bookshelf in your lounge room.

An illustrated plant directory, giving recommendations for particular spots and styles, makes choosing the right plant for the right place a cinch - the perfect way to send you off on your solo gardening expedition, loaded with all the knowledge, skills and confidence you need.

AUTHOR INFORMATION

Chloe Foster began her horticultural career working in wholesale and retail nurseries, before moving into high-profile horticultural positions with Melbourne Zoo and Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, specialising in the cultivation of hard-to-grow species. A garden designer and consultant, she also teaches Horticulture at Melbourne Polytechnic.

ISBN: 9781760688660
Format: Paperback
Pages: 320
Publisher: Echo
Published: 02/09/2025

PRAISE FOR THE ROOKIE GARDENER:

‘Love your work Chloe, very entertaining … a tremendously accessible and incredibly practical guide for new Australian gardeners, no matter what sort of garden they are creating. Thoroughly recommended.’ ANGUS STEWART

‘Ready to dig in but don’t know where to start? The Rookie Gardener is your friendly, expert guide to turning gardening curiosity into growing confidence … Chloe shares her knowledge with warmth, clarity, humour and encouragement. From choosing the right plants and understanding soil, to watering wisely and celebrating your first harvest, this book makes gardening feel achievable, joyful and rewarding.’ AB BISHOP

‘It’s a terrific book for the novice gardener as it takes you through all the steps to make your own garden but includes all the information you need from planning to planting to caring for it, so it will continue to thrive.’ EMILY ROSS, Books + Publishing

‘This is the most fantastic info packed Australian gardening book to have come out in a long time. For both beginner and seasoned gardener this is a wonderful resource book with a treasure trove of useful and practical information on all aspects of gardening.’ CLAIRE BICKLE, The Good Life, Gardening Australia ABC