The Gardening in the Southern Highlands book launch was held on Friday at the Southern Highland Botanic Gardens (SHBG) and was attended by more than 120 people, with 85 books sold.

Chairman of the Friends of the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens Chris Webb said the book was dedicated to the art of gardening in the Southern Highlands.

"It's like a how-to gardening book, based on Deidre's experiences in the last 40 years," he said. "It was quite special to launch it at the botanic gardens because profits from the book sales were donated to the SHBG."

Mr Webb said the book would have particular appeal for locals because of its specific content.

Miss Hill has been working on the book for two years, which provides tailored advice on maintaining a garden in this climate.

"What I've done with the book is to get the most important information together for residents of the shire." She said. "I wrote the book for new arrivals to the Highlands, to bring together the most practical knowledge to help people in a cooler climate."

Miss Hill said the book would also be a handy guide for current residents as it told people "how-to".

Miss Hill regularly attends conferences in her field to stay up-to-date with changes in horticulture.

"Horticulture changes over the years, I've kept up with the fashions but also the changing technical ideas," she said.

"For example I'm very conscious of garden plants that can actually become environmental weeds."

Mr Webb was pleased to have the event hosted at the botanic gardens, a special place for Ms Hill.

"She's very generous and has had an ongoing relationship with the botanic gardens, she was on one of the very early committees and she's such a keen gardener."

"Deidre sees the botanic gardens as a great thing for the district and this is a way for her to promote and support that."

"I think it's a really momentous book for the area."

The proceeds from Deidre Hill's new book will be combined with funds raised from this weekend's Open Garden event for SHBG.