Shrubs and Grubs

Virginia Heywood shares her knowledge on all things Gardens at the Yarra Junction Library. PICTURE: Sandie Clarke -unsplash

Gabriella Vukman

The Yarra Junction Library is hosting a garden chat with radio presenter and garden guru Virginia Heywood.

This event is scheduled to take place on September 18 at 2pm and is free of charge.

Anyone can come along and enjoy an afternoon of informative Garden discussion whilst snugged up in an armchair at the Yarra Junction Library.

Virginia Heywood is a local Garden expert who began her gardening journey when she exchanged a career in British politics for a pair of green thumbs.

Announcing that she will cover topics such as climate change, the difference between a botanic garden and an ordinary public garden and why botanic gardens are so important, Ms Heywood will provide guidance for those who are interested in dipping their toes into the pool of Gardening.

Ms Heywood said, “I want people, even if they’re not gardeners, to feel comfortable growing some herbs, sharing some plants, and receiving plants from a friend.”

Ms Heywood runs regular tours at the Melbourne Botanic Gardens and presents in the community radio 3CR’s ‘Garden Show.’ She can also be found “pruning roses” in her own 5 acre Garden in the Yarra Valley.

“Gardening is fun, it’s good for your health and it’s good for your psyche,” Ms Heywood said.

Not only will the emphasis on the importance of botanical gardens be a central discussion point for the talk event, but a focus on involving the community in and promoting the benefits of getting outside among the shrubs and the grubs.

“It’s hard to be unhappy when you’re surrounded by beautiful plants rather than just bricks and mortar,” Ms Heywood said.