A chat with Anne Doyle

Where is your favourite public garden? A green space near my home which consists of a ring of gum trees providing a beautiful shaded seating area - plus other public gardens in Penrith where couples are married. 

When did you have your first interest in gardening? At age 5.

Who taught you about gardening? My Mother & Grandmother.

What visitors do you have in your garden?  Our beautiful family members and friends plus many native birds and insects including: Magpies, Kookaburras, Lorikeets, Noisy Mynas, bees & of course worms!

What is your favourite plant to grow & why? I don't think I have a favourite - but maybe Hydrangeas as it was one of my Mother's favourites.

Do you have a dream garden? No - I love all of the gardens I have had but I suppose I do prefer a perfumed one.

What is your favourite style of garden?  Cottage - I have inherited plants from my daughter's gardens.

Tip for a beginner gardener? The best tip for a beginner gardener is to look around at other gardens in their neighbourhood to see elements or plants you admire. You need to think how easy the plants will be to grow in your yard - which will possibly have a different micro-climate to your own garden areas.

Are you a plant cutting thief? Aren't all good gardeners? I am sometimes in the dead of the night if the owner is home - but generally ask as gardeners are 'chuffed' when you ask for a cutting from their beautiful garden.

Any 'old school' gardening tips? Yes - always have a pair of sharp secateurs on hand to 'steal' cuttings.

What's one sustainable gardening process you use? I can share a few: Composting, mulching, watering in the evening, use of drought resistant plants, companion planting / grouping plants based upon their sunlight/watering needs.