Flowers aren’t just a spring phenomenon, and Sydney florist Saskia Havekes shares how you can enjoy year-long blooms in her latest book, Grandiflora Arrangements by Penguin Books Australia. In an exploration of choosing blooms, picking vases, and composing arrangements in all their glory, discover how you can bring the beauty of the outdoors in. With over 100 breathtaking illustrated floral arrangements, and plenty of inspiring ideas, Grandiflora Arrangements will inspire you to get started on your own unique bloom creations.

$59

Love your garden, but in need of some fresh new ideas for a lift? Grow by author Dorling Kindersley is a practical, easy-to-use guide on all things green, from weeds to watering, useful gardening tips, or for the more adventurous green thumb, bulbs and quality borders. Learn the art of caring for blooms, how foliage grows, and all that you need to know about gardening in one complete volume. Translate your garden dreams into a reality with the hands-on guide, for both the novice and experienced gardener.

$29

Acclaimed kitchen gardener and avid writer, Kate Herd, brings a surfeit of knowledge, passion and inspiration to the table with her first book, Kitchen Gardens of Australia: Eighteen Productive Gardens for Inspiration and Advice. After travelling around the country, Herd has brought together information and ideas from eighteen of her favourite edible gardens in Australia, accompanied by vivid photography from Simon Griffiths. Homey illustrations add to the quaint country feel, while tips and tricks on irrigation techniques, organic pest control and overall sustainability make the book as practical as a kitchen garden itself.

$49

Healthy, flavour-packed, organic fruit and vegetables are now easy to flourish with a little help from Grow Something to Eat Every Day, by talented author Dorling Kindersley. If you’ve ever aspired to grow your own plot out in the backyard, but have never really known how, the ultimate 50+ guide provides tips on sowing, planting, and dealing with pesky additions, the organic way. With a handy month-by-month guide on what to plant in which season, and bonus techniques on storing and preserving, Grow Something to Eat Every Day will take the pressure off designing the weekly menu. Pack a punch in your daily meals, and you’ll be truly inspired to live like you’re on a country farm filled with fresh produce.

$39

Are you a gardening enthusiast with a desire to go organic? Grow Organic by author Dorling Kindersley is perfect for those seeking how to get vege patches and plants to bloom in all their glory, without pesky pesticides, and how to keep those nasty critters at bay. Sporting an easy-to-follow A-Z reference to seed sowing, creating your own plot, and how to use water wisely, Grow Organic is the ideal garden reference guide at arm’s reach. Be inspired by the rich photographs of veges, fruit, and herbs— all grown in an organic plot—with ailments for slugs and tomato diseases for every frustrated gardener. You’ll discover key techniques for growing plots organically, taking your gardening skills to impressive new great heights.

$29

Jenna Reed Burns confronts the effects of climate-change on our backyards. Through the pages of Australian Gardens for a Changing Climate, she guides the Australian gardener through the challenges of drier climates and tougher water restrictions that impose. From stylish city courtyards to cascading beach-side grounds Australian Gardens for a Changing Climate offers alternatives to help your garden adapt and maintain a vibrant plant collection with a minimal thirst.

$49

In a revival of producing delicious recipes made from fresh, local produce, Belinda Jeffrey shares her secrets to simple, homegrown cooking in The Country Cookbook. It’s all about getting back to basics with cooking— and baking— with seasonal produce, to make dishes such as toasty apple pies, melt-in-the-mouth homemade cake, or hearty flavoursome vegetable soup. Whether you’re after slow-cooked lamb shanks, or want to try your hand at last-minute Christmas cake, the inspiring collection will provide a hint of country feel to your culinary creations.

$59

Are you a foodie, and want to expand your cooking delights to new culinary heights? Discover the joys of cooking with The Cook’s Companion,/i> by Stephanie Alexander; a revised edition with over 1000 new recipes, and 12 chapters, hailed as a somewhat bible for the kitchen. Whip up a scrumptious gourmet treat with the easy-to-follow instructions teamed with rich illustrations, for both experienced and novice cooks to dish out the perfection every time. Entertain with one of these culinary creations, and get advice on cooking techniques, ingredients, with plenty of fail-safe recipes to try your hand at.

$130

Love to cook, but are stuck with delicious new recipes to feed your family? The Great Aussie Cookbook by author Kim Terakes celebrates quick and easy recipes to fill those lunchboxes, and serve nutritious and tasty dishes night after night. With over 140 inspiring recipes to choose from, the Great Aussie Cookbook is sure to get the whole family’s taste bud’s watering. The comprehensive volume makes the perfect kitchen reference for whipping up tasty treats on the weekend, with fresh ideas guests will simply die for. Bon Appetite!

$35

Do you love Asian food, but your culinary creations are limited to a measly tasteless stir-fry? Kim Terakes will warm your heart and your tummy with an array of mouthwatering dishes in his Great Aussie Asian Cookbook. Take inspiration from our friends in the north, and discover how to whip up salt and pepper squid, or the perfect pad Thai, and even learn how to make roll own sushi delights! This collection of recipes brings together traditional favourites such as beef pho, green Thai curry, and our much-loved, san choi bau in one handy volume.

$35

In her quest to entice families to eat together at least once a week, Karen Martini shares Karen a gamut of simple and easy recipes in her book, Cooking at Home Flick through each page to discover a plethora of fail-safe Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and English recipes, and create your own menu with dishes such as Kibbeh made with ocean trout, or a classic cheesecake, for the sweet lover within. Be inspired by recipes that can be whipped up from ingredients in the pantry, and transform the evening family meal into a feast laid out before the eyes.

$59

In devout Francophile fashion Vicki Archer whisked her family away to a 17th Century property in Saint-Remy-de-Provence to begin a new life. Three years of tender toil restored the family farmhouse to its former glory. Archer takes us through her home, the pear and apple orchards and expansive olive grove that surround it, and the spirit of Provence in which she now lives. With the help of the lush techniques of photographer Carla Coulson, the two women indulge us with an insider’s view of all things evocative of French style.

$65

See the world through someone else’s eyes with Chasing a Dream by Carla Coulson. Following a woman’s pursuit of photography in a foreign land, the Sydney photographer’s enchanting book is filled with inspiring images taken in Italy, France, Greece, India and Australia. Carla Coulson made her photographic mark as a person who shoots from the heart and has taken her passion around the world for 11 years. The renowned photographer’s work has since appeared in esteemed publications such as Marie Claire, Australian Gourmet Traveller and Vogue Entertaining + Travel.

$59

Sew your creative seeds with Make it Perfect: 21 Easy Patterns for Sewing Women's and Children's Clothes by Toni Coward. The crafty book features garments everyone can wear, whether young or young at heart. The step-by-step illustrations are sure to easily guide you through any of the DIY projects. Select fabrics that reflect your style, a pattern that reflects your personality, and you are on your way to making the perfect outfit.

$34

Transform a dowdy maxi into a hot summer mini, or craft signature cushion covers that ooze personal style with Alison Smith’s, Sew: Step-by-Step from Penguin Books Australia. From sewing on buttons to personalising garments, let Alison Smith guide you through these easy-to-follow techniques on how to stitch with confidence. With a keen eye for modern styles and new materials, Sew: Step-by-Step brings the time-honoured tradition and practical art of sewing up-to-date, making it the perfect guide for the absolute beginner and an informative read for the dedicated seamstress.

$19

Create cosy quilts to adorn your home with The Gentle Art of Quilt Making, 15 Projects Inspired By Everyday Beauty by Jane Brocket, from Penguin Books Australia. With clear, easy to follow steps, the instructional publication will guide you through 15 quilt-making projects, ensuring you sew a decorative piece to be proud of. Filled with eye-catching images and inspiration, the craft book will be an educational and fun-filled addition to any home library.

$39

Jenny Ryan focuses on turning beautiful vintage fabrics, thrift-store finds, or repurposed possessions, into an array of gift-worthy items to reinvigorate your wardrobe or pass on to loved ones. With a spirit that harbours both a love of style and the planet we inhabit, Sew Darn Cute: 30 Simple & Sweet Projects to sew & Embellish will have you dressing up old tees with applique and embroidery, crafting children’s toys out of odds and ends, and converting old linens into unique signature items you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

$29

Whether you find it creative or just plain cathartic, knitting has often been overlooked as an art form. Jane Brocket’s The Gentle Art of Knitting from Penguin Books puts knitting on a trendy new pedestal. Create anything from warm socks to colourful jumpers and scarves with easy to follow step-by-step instructions. Flip its attractive picture-filled pages and find a new appreciation for this art form.

$39

Watch the waist line and maintain a healthier lifestyle with Michelle Bridges’ Crunch Time Cookbook: Lose weight and keep it off from Penguin Books. Stay healthy, eat healthy and maintain. Michelle Bridges brings a vast amount of knowledge from her experience as a personal trainer on shows such as the Biggest Loser and offers a healthier alternative. Featuring a weekly guides, motivational advice and valuable exercise tips, this is books is beneficial to anyone seeking change.

$34

Kaz Cooke’s Women’s Stuff from Penguin Books Australia is your new best friend. Not your nicest friend. Not your coolest friend. Not your richest friend. Your best friend – the one who tells you the 200 bucks you just dropped at the Myer cosmetics counter isn’t going to buy you love or looks. The one who lets you know your partner is cheating, the one who tells you “you are worth that promotion.” The friend who sees who you are, for what you are – then gently nudges you in the right direction towards making the best of yourself without cashing-in on the mortgage. Keep her onside, she’s a keeper.

$59

Do you ever ponder when a baguette became a bag and not just a piece of bread? If so, it’s time to meet Michi. Like I Give a Frock: Fashion Forecasts and Meaningless Misguidance by Michi Girl is the perfect outlet for Michi to reveal her stylish, and sometimes tragic, knowledge on shopping and weather. It’s packed with personality that’s bound to lift any mood. Michi runs a distinctive Australian eye over everything from fabulous fashion to fashion faux pas.

$29

Uncover the delectable pages of Ms Clare Press’ collection of interviews and essays featuring women that understand the verve of style – the panache of taste. From infinite icons, to local trend-setters and the chicest of her friends The Dressing Table is one of Australia’s most accomplished fashion writer’s homage to true style – where quality surpasses quantity, manners are free, and advice is worth more than a Prada handbag.

$45

Following her passion for fresh seasonal produce and mastering the art of using verjuice in her recipes, Maggie Bear puts together her collection with Cooking With Verjuice. With the sweetness of lemon juice combined with the delicious taste of vinegar, Maggie proves verjuice is a versatile, must-have ingredient for every pantry. Perfect for sauces, dressings, deglazing, her assortment of handy recipes— with hints and tips to try your hand at—will entice you to whip up chef-inspired delights in no time.

$24

Inject life back into old recipes with secrets shared by television personality, Gary Mehigan. The celebrity chef presents a delicious compilation of much-loved dishes he has given a modern twist in his cookbook titled Comfort Food. The popular MasterChef Australia judge transforms family favourites such as spaghetti and meatballs, pumpkin soup and pancakes by tweaking with finishing touches that will reinvigorate any meal.

$49

Based on his hit restaurant Cumulus in Flinders lane, Melbourne, Andrew McConnell’s compiles his most-loved recipes in one inspiring book, Cumulus. In a celebration of his signature dishes, together with talent photographer Earl Carter, collaborate to bring restaurant favourites to the homes of any novice or experienced cook. The easy-to-follow edition with practical, laidback-styled recipes such as tuna tartare, cracked wheat salad, and his famous classic breakfast, will unleash the inner chef within.

$59

Throw a few shrimps on the barbie, right? For anyone who thought it was that easy, The Great Aussie Barbie Cookbook let's you in on the wondrous world of barbecuing, with outstanding tips and tricks on offer. Author and foodie Kim Terakes shares his classic Australian favourite recipes, from the old-time favourite filet mignon, to an extravagant surf ‘n’ turf, with easy-to-follow instructions and rich illustrations to help you along the way. Move beyond the snags, and discover how to make scrumptious starters, delicious salads and the most perfect steak, for a 3-course meal that will leave guests lingering well beyond dessert.

$35

Introducing reknown chef Guillaume Brahimi with his debut cookbook, Guillaume: Food for Friends— a culinary journey into some of Australia’s most exclusive homes. Be transported into Heidi Middleton of sass & bide’s Pittwater home for a degustation delight, or for a little formal affair, get a glimpse into Leo Schofield's heritage manor in Tasmania. In a celebration of Guillaume’s finest dishes, he divulges secrets on making his signature dishes, such as basil-infused tuna and his famous Paris mash, plus his personal favourite mains, like beef daube and gnocchi with beetroot, pumpkin and prawns. Entertaining with friends has taken on a whole new dimension with the gourmet must-have.

$79

Add a personal touch to your home with DIY projects from Queen Of Crafts: The Modern Girls' Guide to Knitting, Sewing, Quilting Baking, Preserving and Kitchen Gardening by Jazz Domino Holly. Whether creating a knitted ensemble or baking your favourite cupcakes, the crafty collection of projects is sure to have something to keep everyone busy.

$29

Don't get caught in a DIY dilemma again with Purls of Wisdom: The Book of Knitting to guide you. The crafty publication is a good yarn, filled with pictures and instructions for knitting projects to keep beginners and needle masters alike busy.

$35

Creative forces, Patricia Hoskins and Rebecca Yaker come together in One Metre Wonders from Penguin Books Australia, to fortify your sewing skills with 101 gift-worthy items anyone could master, all made from a single metre of cloth. Don’t relinquish the tail-end of that eye-catching fabric to the trash – instead, grab one of these great patterns from the easy-to-use pull-out pockets. Follow the simple instructions, and relish in the creative inspiration that will have you sashaying around with your new fashionable tote, or handing over handmade gifts that loved ones will cherish forever.

$39

Tap into the DIY trend with The Needlecraft Book to guide you. Described as the bible covering everything you need to know about needlecraft, the inspiring publication will help you thread your craft skills into projects you can be proud to display in the home.

$49

Throw a few shrimps on the barbie, right? For anyone who thought it was that easy, The Great Aussie Bloke’s Cookbook explores man’s hot plate, to transform a prodded sausage into impressive culinary creations. Author and foodie Kim Terakes shares 120 of his favourite Australian recipes, from delightful beef fillets, to extravagant soufflés, with step-by-step instructions and rich illustrations to help you along the way. Move beyond the snags, and discover how to make scrumptious starters, delicious salads and the most perfect steak, for a 3-course meal that will leave guests lingering well beyond dessert. Take a gourmet journey with The Great Aussie Bloke’s Cookbook, perfect as a gift, to help the man in your life whip up some quality grilled numbers.

$35