Author Talks

For local councils, libraries and organisations looking for an author talk or educational presentation on growing Asian veggies and other gardening topics.

My book, Your Asian Veggie Patch, can be available for sale at the conclusion of the presentation, with opportunity for book signings.

Gardening talks

Gardening talks can be in-person or online events. Talks usually round for 1hr, inclusive of 15 minutes Q+A, and are delivered in an easy-going, engaging format.

  • Presentations include PowerPoint slides to signpost and illustrate what’s discussed.

  • Presentations can be in English and/or Mandarin.

Gardening talks menu

  • Cool season Asian veggies

    Looking to learn more about the incredible world of Asian veggies? Join Connie as she shares her top cool season Asian veggies that you can get sowing and growing, right now, in your backyard.

    Recommended for: February-May

  • Warm season Asian veggies

    Looking to learn more about the incredible world of Asian veggies? Join Connie as she shares her top warm season Asian veggies that you can get sowing and growing, right now, in your backyard.

    Recommended for: July-November

  • How to start a veggie patch

    Join Connie as she shares the joys of growing food at home, with easy, actionable tips on how to get started with growing veggies from scratch. Whether you have a big backyard or a balcony, there’s always space to grow some food!

    Recommended for: Year round

  • Author Talk

    Join Connie as she chats about how she got started on her gardening journey and the joys of growing Asian veggies.

    Connie will also share some of her favourite Asian veggies that you can grow and cook with from her book.

    Recommended for: Year round

  • Growing Asian veggies in containers and small spaces

    Join Connie as she shares her tops tips for growing veggies in containers, with plenty of examples of different options available.

    Connie will also share some of her favourite Asian veggies, herbs and fruits for container growing.

    Recommended for: Year round

  • Backyard chickens for beginners

    Thinking of starting a backyard flock? Backyard chickens are becoming a popular pet and provide loads of entertainment, companionship, compost-making and of course.. eggs! 

    Come learn more about the joys and benefits of backyard chicken keeping, as well as Connie’s experience as a fellow local chicken mama. 

    Recommended for: Year round

Gardening workshops

Workshops comprise of a theory component and hands-on activity, and run for 75-90 minutes, inclusive of 15 minutes Q+A.

  • Workshops can be delivered in English and/or Mandarin.

  • Suited for maximum 30 attendees.

Workshop menu

  • How to start a veggie patch

    Join Connie as she shares the joys of growing food at home, with easy, actionable tips on how to get started with growing veggies, from scratch. Whether you have a big backyard or a garden on your balcony, there’s always space to grow some food!

    Recommended for: All year round

  • How to sow and raise seeds

    Connie will take your through her top ten Asian veg to grow in Melbourne for a thriving patch over the cooler months. Whether you have a big backyard or a garden on your balcony, Connie has some tips for everyone!

    Recommended for: All year round

Testimonials

  • Connie was an excellent presenter, with a wealth of knowledge on seasonal Asian vegetables. Our audience members appreciated learning practical growing tips as well as how the produce can be used in the kitchen. Connie was professional, punctual and very easy to work with.

    - Clare Harvey (Sustainable Programs Officer, Manningham Council)

  • Connie was an engaging and friendly presenter, who totally connected with the audience and shared ideas, tips and advice from her book on how to grow Asian vegetables at home. The audience was able to learn so much about how to make our gardens more sustainable and productive. Connie is inspirational and so much fun to be around! Thanks for sharing your time with our community!

    - Nanette (Librarian, Monash Council)

  • Connie’s author talk on The Asian Veggie Patch at Laverton Community Hub was truly wonderful! Her down-to-earth nature and passion for reconnecting with cultural roots through gardening deeply resonated with our audience. Connie empowered our community with practical tips for growing and cooking a variety of winter Asian vegetables, while also sharing thoughtful reflections on heritage, sustainability, and the simple joy of growing your own food. Thank you Connie!

    - Renee Davy (Hobson Bay Libraries)

  • Connie was very knowledgeable and engaging. She fielded questions from our keen audience with expertise and generosity. Our community was so interested in the variety of Asian vegetables grown by Connie, as well as her use of wicking pots. Thank you, Connie!

    - Lisa Lang (Yarra Libraries)