Style Observer Gardening (SOG) continues its trek through Annilu Limited co-founder Ann Marie Smith’s garden, a testament to garden-to-table living. For Smith, her garden is more than just plants; it’s a deeply personal statement, a source of daily joy, and a constant connection to the earth’s bounty, transforming directly from her garden to her kitchen.

“I’ve used rosemary and the crown of thorns as living borders since walls and fences are not allowed. It’s a wonderful feeling to step outside while cooking and pick rosemary, thyme, scallion, or a ripe lime for fresh soursop juice — straight from the garden to the kitchen. That’s what makes it special to me.”

Crucial to the garden’s vibrancy is Leon Bernard, her gardener of three decades, whose collaborative efforts have forged a system instrumental to its sustained growth.

“We have a regular care routine that includes fertilising, pest control, and consistent watering. An automatic sprinkler system helps keep the lawns and hedges hydrated, especially during dry spells. It’s a true team effort,” Smith said.

The impressive number of blooms and produce she enjoys is a direct result of her dedication and continuous experimentation. Smith advises those hoping to create similar havens to test plants in pots first, observing their performance in various conditions before committing them to the ground.

“It gives you the flexibility to move plants around and find where they thrive best — some spots get more sunlight; others need more water. Once a plant is happy and healthy, then you can plant it in the ground,” Smith said. “Don’t be afraid to experiment — not every plant will do well in every garden, but the process of trial and error is part of the joy.”

Dendrobium thongchai gold (Garfield Robinson)

Dendrobium thongchai goldGarfield Robinson

PomegranateGarfield Robinson

Moss roseGarfield Robinson

Common purslane Garfield Robinson

ColeusGarfield Robinson

Rosepink rain lilyGarfield Robinson

Broughtonia sanguineaGarfield Robinson

A view of Ann Marie’s palms and bromeliadsGarfield Robinson

Desert roseGarfield Robinson

DendrobiumGarfield Robinson

Ann Marie Smith in front of her Araucaria heterophyllaGarfield Robinson