On my travels for The Garden Room, I had a conversation with one of my book subjects on publications that are a little left-of-field – ones that you can’t often find at the local newsagents.

She inspired me to purchase my first copy of Cabana magazine, and then to consider what other publications out there with content that felt new and raw and thought-provoking.

Some of these you may be familiar with and some less so. All of them are included because of the way my brain went “ah” as I pored over the poetic words and images.

While I may not buy these publications as regularly as I would like, I keep the copies I do have close to hand.

I urge you to find a copy online, borrow a copy from your library or read the digital editions/ stories available on their websites linked below:

01. CABANA

“Cabana explores the intimate, unique relationship we have with the interiors and objects around us, sharing inspiring places, spaces, travel and decorative arts.”

Cabana is the publication that sparked conversation one evening, and led me to seek less mainstream reading material.

This is a high-end production, as the publication is part of a European brand with an arm of extremely beautiful homewares and objet d’art.

Often partnering with world-renowned designers for their covers, inside is a myriad of stories led by design and culture: layered homes in American fishing villages and the English countryside, sit beside pages regaling Italianate sculptures, inimitable hotels and historic art.

Read Cabana

02. FIELDFARE

“Our mission is to explore the qualities that make a place special, where we feel a sense of belonging.”

I can’t tell you how I stumbled across this publication which houses essays by contributors across the world. But as soon as I did, I bought all three copies that they had in stock on their website.

It is the perfect tome to pick up and wander into the garden with instead of your phone.

Each issue has a theme, and creatives submit stories of words and/or photographs for potential inclusion. This results in unheard voices sharing simple stories that feel relatable and inspire reflection.

Read Fieldfare

03. WONDERGROUND

“My mission for The Planthunter (now Wonderground) was, and still is, to seduce people into falling in love with the world around them. Plants and gardens are an important, and often undervalued, gateway drug. Wonderground is a place of storytelling; of irreverence, intelligence, curiosity and connection.”

I have been a fan of Georgina Reid since discovering her writing on The Design Files. Her thoughts on connection with gardens and nature resonated with me.

The full collection of her most recent publication endeavour Wonderground graces my library, however the website is full of stories and essays that are perfect for a little garden inspired pick-me-up if you need a break from doomscrolling or reading the news.

This particular article on her site explains a bit more behind her “why”

Read Wonderground

04. FAIRE

“Considered, intimate, and honest. Bringing you inside artists’ homes and creative spaces; exploring stories of slowing down, creating with intention, community and collaboration, and examining the twists and turns of creative lives and how to finally find your voice.”

Perhaps you are familiar with this one? Faire has featured many Australian creatives over the years, and one I still must try to my own work amongst the pages of.

This publication champions creativity in it’s honest essays reviewing craft and life and how they intertwine for each subject.

Read Faire

05. THE WORLD OF INTERIORS

“Since 1981 The World of Interiors has documented the rich diversity of ways in which we live, showcasing the stylish and the unexpected as well as applauding individuality.”

A cult favourite of course, still I feel that I don’t see it in many homes that I visit.

Similar to Cabana in vibe, this magazine is published more regularly. The stories have that effortlessly cool feel, and feature artists that don’t follow trends and luxuriously layered interiors.