Creber will be the special guest at a meeting of local gardening group The Gully Gardeners at Ferntree Gully library on Thursday next week.

As well as hosting a radio show, Creber works as a food consultant, teacher, book reviewer and cookbook author.

Much of her talk will centre on what to do with excess garden crops. "Plentiful food crops are often a problem for gardeners, so chutneys, jams, relishes and sauces are a great way to use them," Creber said.

She says her Scottish genes are responsible for her "no wastage" attitude. "The fruit and vegetables don't even have to be in perfect condition to have a use."

The Melbourne cook believes her finest effort with excess food was a pear chutney with Middle Eastern spices.

Guests at the event can also expect to hear recipes for leftover lemons, tomatoes and zucchinis.

And while Creber can certainly take on most recipes with a mixing bowl and rolling pin, don't expect to hear about sponge cakes or meringues - they're her only weakness. But you might be lucky enough to get the recipe for her famous heavy fruit cake.

Creber will speak at the library on Thursday, February 2 at 2.30pm, entry by gold coin donation. Details: Julie at Ferntree Gully library on 9294 8140.