Meeting plants is like making new friends. It takes time and, with a bit of care and good fortune, enriches both of you. Eventually, you end up in the kitchen together…

In our busy, sometimes overwhelming world, nature is a solace. In this stunning companion, Paulette Whitney connects readers to the history and culture of more than 55 vegetables, fruits and herbs, sharing her own experiences, horticultural know-how, kitchen wisdom and favourite seasonal recipes. Paulette surveys 11 plant families, many well known, some less familiar – including their surprising connections, like how every single apple is, in fact, a cousin of the rose. Through evocative storytelling and sublime photography by Luke Burgess during a year in her market garden, this book is an invitation to slow down, grow something you can really taste, and appreciate nature’s bounty.

Paulette Whitney lives with her family on a pocket of land in the foothills of kunanyi. With her farmer/chef husband Matt, she grows seedlings, vegetables and seed crops, and many locals will recognise her from their plant stall at Salamanca. Through their work they have nurtured relationships with herbalists, gardeners, chefs and botanists who teach them every time they talk. They eat well: Paulette looks forward to a bit of silverbeet as much as she relishes a lobster.

Matthew Evans is a chef and food critic turned farmer-food activist.

Please note that due to overwhelming demand we have moved this event from the cafe and into the bookshop to accommodate more people. This will mean a limited number of chairs available; we apologise for any in convenience*.

*If you require a seat for accessibility, please email events@fullersbookshop.com.au to secure one in advance.