A blueprint for living the good life in the city how to grow the easiest food plants in small spaces and recipes to make the most of them

Backyards, rooftops, courtyards and balconies are sprouting with herbs, ballooning with fruit and bursting with vegies across our urban landscapes.

Slowly, but we certainly believe surely, people are embracing the joy of gardening and the more relaxed lifestyle it brings. There is a change in the air and we are excited to watch it unfold.

Enter the completely addictive world of urban growing, where you can pocket a slice of farm life in the city, even if just for a few minutes a day. Growing your own lemongrass for a mojito or rhubarb to make jam isn't just about producing food, rewarding though that is. It's an antidote to the relentless pursuit to 'do it all'. It doesn't matter the size of your space, or your skill, the garden is a place for everyone.

Expert horticulturalist Byron Smith has created urban food oases in even the tiniest of plots and in this book he gives you the know-how to grow your favourite ingredients as well as killer recipes to make the most of your harvest. So tuck this book under your arm and grab a beverage with the other - the time to slow down and grow is now. The good life is waiting for you.