Common Ground: Garden Histories of Aotearoa

Common Ground: Garden Histories of AotearoaDiscover the rich tapestry of Aotearoa's gardening heritage with 'Common Ground: Garden Histories of Aotearoa' by Matt Morris. This captivating paperback, measuring 240 x 170 mm and containing 284 pages, offers an insightful exploration into the evolution of gardens and gardening practices across New Zealand. Unlike typical gardening books that celebrate grand estates, this title delves into the 'humble gardens' crafted by everyday Kiwis, enriching

Discover the rich tapestry of Aotearoa's gardening heritage with 'Common Ground: Garden Histories of Aotearoa' by Matt Morris. This captivating paperback, measuring 240 x 170 mm and containing 284 pages, offers an insightful exploration into the evolution of gardens and gardening practices across New Zealand. Unlike typical gardening books that celebrate grand estates, this title delves into the 'humble gardens' crafted by everyday Kiwis, enriching our understanding of their significance.

Morris takes readers on a journey from the arrival of Polynesian settlers, who introduced precious seeds and cuttings, to the establishment of settler gardens and the impactful 'Dig for Victory' campaigns during challenging times. As he navigates the history of home gardening, he uncovers a narrative of collapse and resurgence in gardening culture. The book highlights important themes such as community gardening initiatives and the emerging movement for food sovereignty.

From composting practices to M?ori gardening traditions, the suburban vegetable patch to the rise of soil toxin awareness, and the notable role of native plants in New Zealand gardens, Morris provides a comprehensive view of how cultural meanings and identities are woven into the land through our gardening practices.

'Common Ground' offers a thought-provoking examination of the question: What do our gardens reveal about our identities and histories? With a focus on ordinary people's gardening practices, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in New Zealand's cultural landscape and gardening history.

**Delivery Information:** We are happy to combine shipping. Smartfox is a NZ owned business located in Auckland. This product is in stock in NZ, which means no unexpected import charges, custom duty, or tax.

CONDITION: Brand New
Dimensions: 240 x 170 mm
Pages: 284
Bind: paperback
Author: Matt Morris Publisher: Otago University Press


Common Ground: Garden histories of Aotearoa takes a loving look at gardens and garden practices in Aotearoa New Zealand over time. While a lot of gardening books focus on the grand plantings of wealthy citizens, Matt Morris explores the historical processes behind ‘humble gardens’ – those created and maintained by ordinary people. From the arrival of the earliest Polynesian settlers carrying precious seeds and cuttings, through early settler gardens to ‘Dig for Victory’ efforts, he traces the collapse and renewal of home gardening culture, through the emergence of community initiatives to the recent concept of food sovereignty. Compost, M?ori gardens, the suburban vege patch, the rise of soil toxin levels, the role of native plants and City Beautiful movements … Morris looks at the ways in which cultural meanings have been inscribed in the land through our gardening practices over time. What do our gardens say about us, and where we have been? Matt Morris digs deep in Common Ground.

We are happy to combine shipping. Smartfox is a NZ owned business located in Auckland. This product is in stock in NZ which means no unexpected import charges, custom duty or tax.