OK, I admit it. I desperately need to get my hands in the soil. I missed gardening when I lived in London in the noughties and only realised when I suffered from burnout and functional neurological disorder. Then I moved to Essex and immersed myself in rural life, enjoying reconnecting with the natural world. IContinue reading “I need to get my hands dirty”
Tag Archives: mindfulgardening
How to add sculpture and texture to a garden
I love grasses and clipped topiary in a garden. They add sculpture and texture and when they are contrasted with floaty, fluffy flowers my heart sings. I visited The Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park last week, where I saw some great examples. Above are swathes of molinia grasses, which sweep across the lawn nextContinue reading “How to add sculpture and texture to a garden”
Bigging up bulbs
I don’t believe in leaving things to chance. Luck doesn’t find me, I go out and find opportunities. And, in the same way, I engineer small wonders of nature in my garden. By small wonders, I mean anything nature does which makes me smile. It’s normally something that tickles the senses. Colour, scent, texture –Continue reading “Bigging up bulbs”
Pre-order your copy of The Cactus Surgeon today!
The Cactus Surgeon is now available to order! What’s it about? It’s a nature and health memoir which explores the possible reasons for my burnout and functional neurological disorder. It also investigates my connection with Mother Nature, how that has helped me over the years – in particular through my ‘green recovery’. It’s a bookContinue reading “Pre-order your copy of The Cactus Surgeon today!”
Sowing smiles
Is there anything as satisfying as growing plants from seed? Since sowing seeds with my daughter I’ve rediscovered the joys and extra big smiles they bring to my face, as well as hers. In 2018 my daughter collected some seeds from my parent’s garden in Suffolk and ever since we have enjoyed the bright andContinue reading “Sowing smiles”
Small wonders don’t always happen by chance
I’ve had a medium size garden for nearly ten years now. With careful consideration (and some happy accidents!) I have ensured that we are regularly wowed by small wonders of nature. Here’s what I’ve learnt: Embrace nostalgia Plant something you remember from your childhood, or which you associate with someone you love. Every time youContinue reading “Small wonders don’t always happen by chance”