'I'm not quite sure what possessed me to start a kitchen garden, but there is no doubt that my cooking has developed a real spring in its step since then...' Annie Smithers is a great believer in using fresh organic produce with minimal food miles. In most cases, this means just a few steps, for Annie has an acre of garden from which she sources the majority of the produce for her highly successful restaurant in Kyneton, Victoria. Writing in a diary format, Annie shares the ups and downs of setting up her garden, interspersed with simple, seasonal recipes that allow her star crops to shine.

Annie is a beautiful cook. A meal prepared by her will always be honest rather than tricky, will reflect the time of year, and will be delicious.' - Stephanie Alexander