Author's journey to tranquility inspires new book

From the fast-paced bustle of city life to the quieter rhythm of off-grid country living, author Marlane Ainsworth has experienced a transformative journey – one that has shaped her life and inspired a beautiful little gift book titled: What My Garden Told Me: 21 Inspirational Messages.

After living in a suburban home on a quarter-acre block, Marlane and her husband, Rob, made the bold decision to leave the city behind and take their five children down south to embrace a simpler, more self-sufficient life.

Their new home, located in wetlands between Denmark and Albany, was not quite what they had imagined.

Life in the country wasn’t easy.

Relying on an extremely basic stand-alone solar power system, a very limited water supply, and living in an unfinished home with sheets of heavy-duty, clear builder’s plastic for walls and bare cement floors for several years, Marlane quickly learned the true meaning of resilience and self-sufficiency.

Through it all, she developed a deep appreciation for the small, often overlooked things in life – particularly the natural world around her.

Over the years, while also working in their careers and raising children, Marlane and Rob transformed their swampy bush-block backyard into a thriving, wild cottage garden that supports local water birds and other wildlife, including a pair of nesting swans.

As their children grew up and left home, and after retiring after 25 years of working in Denmark and Albany, Marlane decided to put her thoughts, wisdom, and learning into a small book.

She co-authored it with her youngest daughter, Merribeth, who contributed watercolour art inspired by the property and garden.

The book contains inspiring messages on topics like embracing change, discovering inner strength, and finding joy in little things. It features delightful items found in the garden at Evergreen, like birdbaths, autumn leaves, shadows, an old red boat, dragonflies, and a vibrant blue gate.

It also includes a collection of complementary quotes that beautifully match its themes.

From the loss of a sister, and her husband’s loss of his twin brother, through to the children leaving home, and her retirement, Marlane consistently found answers and solace in the garden.

“The garden has told me a lot,” Marlane said.

“It’s told me to respond to the ups and downs of life, including death, because that happens all the time in a garden. Everyone’s life has wild parts in it. Unforeseen things happen. No one knows what will appear next as each day unfolds.”

One of the book’s messages is about an old red kettle – a small object she refused to throw away. Instead, she found a spot for it in the garden.

It now hangs from a fig tree, where it continues to bring bright colour and joy to others, serving as a symbol of resilience and rediscovered purpose.

What My Garden Told Me: 21 Inspirational Messages is available in the Margaret River Bookshop; Viva Books in Busselton; Sea Change News & Gifts in Dunsborough; as well as bookshops in Albany, Denmark, and Perth.

It can also be ordered from Amazon.