Philip Thomsen and his latest book, The Practical Kiwi Gardener.
Whanganui author publishes new book on practical gardening
In 2021, well-known Whanganui gardener Phil Thomsen published his book Whanganui Gardening and Garden Design, which covers a range of gardening situations you will encounter in your home garden.
After receiving positive reviews from readers, Thomsen was inspired to write a gardening book for all of New Zealand, focusing on aspects of design, soil and water management, ornamental gardening and fruit and vegetable production.
The result is his new book, “The Practical Kiwi Gardener”, which will be available in bookstores from July 8th.
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The reality in New Zealand is that garden space is getting smaller, and busy jobs and limited budgets mean people have less time, expertise and funds to maintain their gardens.
The Practical Kiwi Gardener shows how to create a vibrant, fulfilling garden environment in any space, regardless of size. Whether homeowners have a flat or sloping site, an exposed yard or a dark, shady spot, The Practical Kiwi Gardener's engaging text and helpful illustrations enable gardeners to achieve and maintain the perfect garden to suit their individual needs.
The book covers topics such as vertical gardens (great for urban areas), soil and water management, landscape design, character and style, ornamental plants, potted plants, fruits and vegetables.
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A flower bed in Phil Thomsen's front yard.
The book is packed with photographs, diagrams and plans with examples relating to the text. Landscape design solutions, themed garden ideas, diagrams showing when to plant vegetables and how to ensure a year-round fruit harvest have been created by Whanganui graphic artist Tim Garman of Silver-i Design Associates.
“The Practical Kiwi Gardener fills a gap in the market for a New Zealand-specific book that covers all aspects of gardening and garden design. With a particular focus on New Zealand flora on a national scale, Thomsen offers sustainable options to help improve any garden.”
In the current climate, people often have little money to spend on developing their land, so the book's sections on landscaping styles and equipment show that these things are inexpensive yet durable.
With the cost and sustainability of water supply becoming major issues, this book will show you how to minimise your use of precious water resources and get the best results from watering your garden.
Mr Thomsen has an extensive horticultural background, including a degree in horticulture. He was a parks ranger for Whanganui City Council, an agricultural export company representative and a horticulture lecturer at Whanganui District Community Polytechnic.
Phil Thomsen working in his raised bed vegetable patch.
He was a trustee of the Bayson Botanic Gardens for many years, actively supported the Heritage Food Crops Research Trust at their facility in Springvale Road, and is currently national secretary of the New Zealand Orchid Society and editor of the Whanganui Orchid Society newsletter.
Thomsen's gardens on St. John's Hill showcase many of the concepts featured in the book and are a frequent destination for gardening groups and charity events.
“I've been a gardener for over 60 years and an educator for nearly 40 years, and I have a passion for helping people improve their gardens and gardening skills,” Thomsen said.
“I give many presentations and workshops on various aspects of gardening, and I often get feedback from participants and readers of my books who appreciate my focused, well-structured, practical and concise approach. This book is the culmination of this journey.”
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Thomsen has edited several books about the Whanganui River and has written numerous articles for newspapers and magazines, including a regular column in New Zealand Gardener. He also runs a YouTube channel called Phil the Practical Gardener where he shares his wealth of gardening knowledge: https://www.youtube.com/@PhilthePracticalGardener-tl2ud
The launch event for The Practical Kiwi Gardener will be held at Article Cafe, Drews Avenue, on July 4 from 5.30pm. Copies will be available for sale at Page's Bookstore and the author will be signing them.
