Petal Power - Julia Atkinson-Dunn

A book to inspire starting a garden to feed your soul – indoors and out!

Petal Power is written in reflection of Julia Atkinson-Dunn’s own adventure as a beginner gardener, sharing a fun selection of flowering plants that can be grown in her homeland of New Zealand. It’s the friendly volume she wished she could have got her hands on while still sussing out her perennials from her annuals. In addition to 12 plant profiles tested and photographed in her own garden, the book helpfully demystifies garden lingo and offers ideas for homegrown seasonal arrangements. The result is an invaluable guide, encouraging new gardeners to experiment further with confidence.

Written with a casual, relatable tone, Petal Power provides a friendly partner in your flower gardening experience, effectively demonstrating the benefits of reconnecting with the seasons regardless of the size of your space.

‘Patience is enforced by Mother Nature, the instant gratification of our modern lives blown out the window. There are no negatives, only a gentle opening of the eyes to find nature again, all on your own terms. Have a go!’
– Julia Atkinson-Dunn.

Julia caught the gardening bug badly when, in 2017 she moved into a lovely villa in Linwood, Christchurch and was immediately confronted with the wonderful banked vegetable garden that she needed to plant up to "look good". Armed with a trusty Yates Garden Guide and plenty of family that she could drag there to help, Ju discovered a new realm of creativity that has transformed her everydays. 

Follow Ju's gardening adventures on instagram @studiohomegardening on her blog Studio Home and on her weekly column for Stuff Homed.