How The Diggers Club in Mornington is sowing seeds of change.
Visiting The Diggers Club at their Heronswood garden in summer is a unique kind of magic. The grounds surrounding the historic house sing a symphony of cool tones in perfect harmony with the tiled roofs of the 17th-century home. Varying shades of purple, blue, and yellow create a tapestry of colour and texture against the lush green backdrop of
summer grass.
“My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece.” - Claude Monet
Yet, the beauty of their gardens is not the only awe-inspiring feature of this revolutionary gardening company. The term “Diggers” has a long history of referring to those championing a common cause through goodwill and mateship. It perfectly suits this organisation, which has been nurturing positive change in the Peninsula for over 40 years.
Penny and Clive Blazey started The Diggers Club in 1978, delivering seeds from a tin shed in Albert Park. The club's quick and continued success has allowed them to expand support for home gardeners while championing climate-conscious practices—such as planting water-saving gardens and preserving heirloom seeds despite the corporatisation of the seed market.
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” - Audrey Hepburn
In 2011, they established The Diggers Foundation and officially transitioned into a not-for-profit, furthering their mission to preserve heirloom seeds and promote sustainable gardening. True to the Diggers’ name, their Seed the Future fund donates seeds and expertise to help schools and communities needing support grow their own healthy food. Now, all profits go directly to the Diggers Foundation.
So, how do these efforts help heal Mother Earth? First, heirloom seeds promote biodiversity, enhancing local ecosystems' resilience to environmental changes. This natural ability supports pollinators and reduces the need for chemical additives, providing a healthier and more sustainable agricultural system—not to mention tastier!
If you want to learn more about The Diggers Club, visit their website.