“Always choose a plant purely on the lighting you have, rather than the aesthetic. Because I say there is nothing nice about a dead plant in your house.” – Jason Chongue

Jason Chongue didn’t want to ruin gardening by making it his job, but starting The Plant Society has brought the therapeutic joys of gardening to a brand new cohort. In ‘Place Society: Create an Indoor Oasis for Your Urban Space’ and ‘Green: Plants for Small Spaces, Indoors and Out’ he demystifies gardening, and makes certain people aren’t afraid to make mistakes.

This is an edited recording of our live event at Bargoonga Nganjin, North Fitzroy Library, where he discussed his first book with Collections and Reader Development Librarian (and plant murderer), Meaghan Dew.

‘Plant Society’ is now available at Yarra Libraries and ‘Green’ will join it this December. Find a copy at your local branch or place a reservation on our website.

Yarra Libraries Recommends

Plant Society – Jason Chongue

Green – Jason Chongue

Get Plants: how to bring green into your life – Katherine Price

Urban botanics : an indoor plant guide for modern gardeners – Emma Sibley

My tiny indoor garden : houseplant heroes and terrific terrariums in small spaces – Lia Leendertz

Tiny tabletop gardens : 35 projects for super-small spaces - outdoors and in – Emma Hardy

Plant love : how to care for your houseplants – Alys Fowler

Succulents : the ultimate guide to choosing, designing, and growing 200 easy-care plants – Robin Stockwell