‘I love the wild and open spaces, and that is one reason why I love the Peninsula.'

Penny Blazey has the caffeinated energy of a double-shot macchiato and more buzz than a beehive. Her diffuse interests have one thing in common: they are all pursued with passion. Where others express concern about sustainability, indigenous issues and social justice, Penny has genuine involvement. The petite powerhouse is equally energetic when it comes to her enthusiasm for gardening, heritage, bushwalking and family life. She embodies the slogan, ‘Think globally, act locally’, because most of her myriad of activities occur on the Mornington Peninsula, her personal heartland.

‘I grew up in Melbourne, but my spirit place was always Sorrento,’ she says. ‘We couldn’t wait to get in the car and come down to the Peninsula where my grandparents lived. There was an absolute passion about the beach – the wonderful treasures that are the bay beaches, and the wonderful wild back beaches.’

Penny and husband Clive Blazey own the Diggers Club, a mail-order garden club that has a focus on heirloom and organic seeds, dry climate and food plants. The business operates from the superb grounds of Heronswood, a National Trust-listed property in Dromana (90 minutes from Melbourne) where many of her interests intersect.

‘Since turning 60 I’m semi-retired and now have more time to spend with our children Jol, Tessa and Matilda and our grandchildren.’

Favourite Day Trip
A trip to Point Nepean. It is a cultural experience, with the amazing tunnels and bunkers and the military and maritime history of the area. It is a beautiful three-hour walk right to the point and back again. I love the spot where you can stand and see the wonderful surf beaches on one side and the bay on the other, all in one (Point Nepean Rd, Portsea, 03 5984 4276).

Favourite Nature-based Experience
A picnic at Bushranges Bay, near Cape Schanck. You walk through a beautiful banksia forest, across a freshwater stream, there is an old Aboriginal midden there and a perfect beach. It is a beautiful spot.

Favourite Object
A watch my husband Clive bought me in Zurich 39 years ago. Everyone tries to get me to change it but it has a lovely face, old roman numerals and a strong brown-leather band. It is almost like a superstitious thing because I never like to be without it.