After 25 years of perseverance, creativity, and dedication, Port Elliot local Judy Baghurst is set to launch her new book, Down the Garden Path: From Bald Hill to Bush and Native Garden.

This visually stunning coffee table book details the journey Judy and her husband, Andrew, undertook to transform a barren hill into a thriving native garden, now teeming with wildlife and celebrated for its natural beauty.

The book launch will take place on Sunday 29 September, at Judy’s home in the picturesque foothills above Port Elliot. The 196-page hardcover, beautifully illustrated with 340 photos, including over 30 full-page colour plates, captures the evolution of their garden—a striking example of resilience against drought, harsh winds, and unforgiving terrain.

Judy’s story is not just one of gardening but of renewal. In her book, she shares how the couple’s struggles with the elements—drought, rocky soil, and even nocturnal echidna visitors—gave way to triumphs. Today, their once-bare hill is a vibrant ecosystem brimming with bees, birds, kangaroos, and blue-tongue lizards.

What sets Down the Garden Path apart is Judy’s inclusion of reflective poems and haikus, making this more than a gardening manual. It’s an inspiring narrative for nature lovers, revealing how the natural world can heal and inspire those who cultivate it.

The garden has already garnered national attention, having been featured on ABC’s Gardening Australia and in SALIFE magazine. Judy’s book, created entirely in South Australia, is poised to inspire both seasoned gardeners and novices, encouraging a deeper connection with nature and a passion for native flora.

Judy’s garden, nestled in the hills with sweeping views of the Southern Ocean, stands as a testament to the couple’s commitment to nurturing local ecosystems. Her story serves as a reminder that, with time and effort, even the most unpromising landscapes can be transformed into havens of biodiversity.

For those interested in learning more about the book or the garden, Judy Baghurst can be contacted directly via email.