AGHS Victorian Branch: AGM 2026 followed by a lecture by Sandra Schwarz

The AGM 2026 will be followed by a lecture “The History of Restorative Gardens – how people have used gardens as places of respite over the ages” by Sandra Schwarz.

Nature and green spaces make us feel better – something that has been known for millennia. But how do we balance their provision of respite while also being symbols of wealth and power? And what can we learn from the past to help inform the future? Drawing on extensive research, Sandra Schwarz – author of the new book RESTORE: How Green Spaces support Human Restoration – will guide an exploration of green space and garden development over the centuries, confirming that nature has always been beneficial for human wellbeing.

Having begun a Masters Thesis, the topic evolved and grew to embrace a broad and global history of green spaces designed and used for human restoration. Enhanced by archival images from around the world, we will explore how gardens have changed, and remained the same, for much of our international history. Providing a new and universal approach to this topic, Sandra’s presentation will also introduce how restorative green spaces can nurture and support us physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually. These benefits are something we are all in need of more than ever today.

Sandra Schwarz is an educator, landscape architect and author who is passionate about understanding and sharing what makes green spaces restorative. The seed for her book was sown while undertaking a double Masters – Landscape Architecture, at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (Alnarp) and University of Melbourne (Parkville/Burnley).

The book expands on her academic work, deep diving into the history of green spaces for human respite and drawing on experiences and reflections on restorative and therapeutic green spaces across Europe, Asia, North and Central America. Sandra has continued to support education around Therapeutic Landscapes at the Burnley Campus (University of Melbourne). Sharing her research findings and passion for this topic continues to be a grand adventure. Sandra volunteers weekly at the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre, helping care for the gardens that are so appreciated by the patients, staff and visitors.

Time: Doors will open at 5.30 pm for refreshments. AGM will commence at 6.00 pm and Lecture to commence at 6.30 pm.

Location: Main Hall, Ground Floor, Main Building, University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus. 500 Yarra Boulevard, Richmond.
Note: Parking is available on Yarra Boulevard.

Cost: FREE to AGHS members and a guest.

Book: at Trybooking. Bookings are essential for catering purposes.

Books for Sale: Sandra will bring some copies of her book for sale: “RESTORE. How Green Spaces Support Human Restoration.

Enquires: Sue Foran 0400 159 079

AGM Papers will be sent in an updated newsletter next month.