Why gladioli disappear over winter, explained through real garden experience and the hidden role of moisture.
Author Archives: Earthly Comforts
When the Garden Tries to Annex the Fence
A reflective, tongue-in-cheek gardening essay on boundaries, balance, and what overgrown plants can teach us about control, restraint, and long-term care.
The Redback in the Jam Jar
A childhood encounter with Australia’s redback spider reflects on curiosity, danger, and the early lessons that shape a gardener’s respect for balance and observation.
Yield vs Ecology
A clear, practical exploration of the tension between yield and ecology, explaining why long-term productivity depends on working with living systems rather than extracting from them.
Year-Round Soil Cover
A practical guide to year-round soil cover, explaining how mulches and living plants protect soil health, improve resilience, and reduce garden maintenance.