Sudbury horticulturist launches new book on back-to-basics approach to gardening

A Sudbury horticulturist is hoping to demystify the misconception of gardening techniques through the release of a new book.

Having gained extensive experience of growing and cultivating plants, Catherine McMillan is keen to pass on her knowledge to help individuals develop their gardening skills.

“In over 20 years of working in garden nurseries, I’ve built up a good picture of what people do and don’t know – the misunderstandings and common mistakes,” she said.

“Most gardening books are aimed at people who are keen to learn everything about gardening, but I thought there was a real need for something that just sticks to the essentials.”

With a range of helpful tips and advice, Ms McMillan composed the new book to help instil confidence in gardeners.

“Too many people waste money and energy on plants that aren’t suited to their growing conditions, or beat themselves up over failures that aren’t failures at all, because they don’t know the basics,” said Ms McMillan, of Walnut Tree Lane.

At the beginning of her career, the 39-year-old combined jobs in horticulture with a part-time position as an editorial assistant at the Suffolk Free Press.

Ms McMillan secured her first gardening role at Chilton Quality Plants in Newton Road, while helping to run the company’s weekly stall at Sudbury market.

Ms McMillan currently works at Bridge Farm Plants in Monks Eleigh, alongside another role at a garden centre near Ipswich.

Reflecting on her new project, Ms McMillan added: “My aim was to create a fun, easy read; there is lots of information in the book but it is surrounded by my bad jokes and silly cartoons, so people learn without feeling like they are studying for a test.”

To order a copy of Gardening for the Uncommitted: What You Really Need to Know, When You Don’t Really Want to Know, go online to amazon.co.uk. It can be purchased as a paperback or ebook.