Book Review: Garden Escapes in Bushland and Reserves

A Responsible Gardening Guide for the Greater Sydney Region by Sydney Weeds Network Inc.

Water hyacinth is an attractive but troublesome plant that has spread worldwide, obstructing waterways, reducing fish production, harbouring mosquitoes, and severely disrupting life in some communities along rivers and lakes.

Weeds pose significant economic, environmental, and social challenges across Australia, damaging natural landscapes, farmland, waterways, and coastal areas. Alongside invasive animals like buffalo, pigs, goats, deer, foxes, cats, and rats, weeds are among the most serious threats to Australia’s natural environment and agricultural industries.

What may surprise many gardeners is that over 65% of Australia’s weeds actually originated from urban gardens.

This practical and user-friendly guide starts with general advice on weed management, then dives into specific categories like creepers, shrubs, and trees—each organised into colour-coded chapters. Within each section, individual weed profiles are presented with details on their growth habits, leaves, flowers, fruit, roots, methods of dispersal, and most importantly, the best ways to control them. The book spans 117 pages and is packed with excellent colour photographs to help with identification.

Garden Escapes in Bushland and Reserves is a valuable addition to any gardener’s library, especially for those keen to learn more about local weeds and how to manage them responsibly.

Book Cover