H&G L E T T E R S
YOUR H&G After putting the children to bed, I sat down to read the April issue of H&G and was delighted to see the Design Moment feature on Edna Walling. Having grown up in Scotland, I’m new to Edna’s history and style, but I recently came across a book about her, Gardens in Time by Jennie Churchill and Trisha Dixon, whom you quote in your story. It’s a lovely description of her designs and a glimpse into a pioneering female landscaper’s life. Lynne McCormack, Petersham, NSW I recently subscribed to H&G and it’s now the most-read magazine in the house. My husband, who’s never previously shown an interest in or expressed an opinion on decor, will now hold up an issue of H&G at eye level, tap the page and say, “This would look great on that wall”. I smile and agree, while secretly imagining banging him on the head with the rolled-up magazine. Leigh Gordon, Newport, Queensland
The upside of downsizing Congratulations to all the winners in the H&G Gardens of the Year Awards – your gardens are stunning! Having recently moved from a house with a big landscaped yard to an apartment, I dearly miss the joy of a garden. Your feature inspired me to purchase greenery for the smaller outdoor space that I now have. Thanks to you, I’ve discovered that a garden doesn’t have to
be on a grand scale but just a happy green space to nurture and enjoy. Kirsty Polujan, Perth, WA
Planning stage Having moved to Brisbane from London 18 months ago with my family, I am about to fulfil a lifelong dream to build my own home. I was always a big fan of homes magazines back in the UK, but I must say, Australian House & Garden is my favourite of all. Each month it inspires me. I’ve collected plenty of ideas, many of which I have incorporated into my home design. The kitchen special in March was just what I needed; I’ve added a built-in seat to the plans for my kitchen dining area after spotting one in your Beauty Treatment case study. I’m totally hooked on H&G and cannot wait for the next issue to hit the shelves. Well done. Geneve Gangemi, Brisbane, Queensland
WRITE IN TO WIN The author of every letter published receives $50. Our favourite also wins a great prize. This month, Lynne McCormack of NSW wins two 60x60cm cushion covers in Mallee Gum and Firewheel, valued at $214, from Utopia Goods; www.utopiagoods.com. Email your letter to h&g@bauer-media.com.au with your full name and address or post to Your H&G, PO Box 4088, Sydney, NSW 1028.
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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN
FLOWER OF THE MONTH AMARANTHUS Colours Lime green, burgundy, red, cerise, mustard and brown. Shape Tassel-shaped flowers hanging in long cords from tall, straight stems. “The tassels look beautiful cascading from an arrangement,” says florist Myra Perez from My Violet. Look for Vibrantly coloured flowers and straight stems without blemishes. Best displayed “Amaranthus looks spectacular either on its own, en masse, or mixed with other blooms,” says Myra. “If you want a cascading arrangement, use a tall, weighty cylindrical vase. For a trailing filler, use a short glass or copper vase.” Try combining brown and burgundy amaranthus with natives such as banksias and flowering eucalyptus, or lime-green varieties with all-white blooms.
My Violet, Redfern, NSW; 0405 910 029 or www.my violet.com.au. See Myra’s display using amaranthus on our Pinterest page in May.
Illustration by Allison Langton. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.
Newly converted
