Journal
Meadow Weave: Wakehurst Residency, 2014 (8)
Take Two. I knew with a kind of resigned certainty, even before I reached home as I was driving back from Wakehurst the day it all fell apart, that there was nothing for it but to start all over again. So here I am, out at the barn (my studio for the duration), with...
Meadow Weave: Wakehurst Residency, 2014 (7)
Falling Apart. It was inevitable. I've come to recognise this stage and am learning to tolerate it. To even welcome it as an integral and probably necessary part of the creative process. Perhaps it would be more worrying if the falling apart didn't happen- that might...
Meadow Weave: Wakehurst Residency, 2014 (6)
Making it While the Sun Shines. I genuinely feel like the Miller’s daughter in the story Rumpelstitskin. I’ve a massive pile of cut hay on one side, and a long snaking hay rope on the other, which I’m looping together to form a structure. I reckon I’ve made 70 metres...
Meadow Weave: Wakehurst Residency, 2014 (5)
The Peace of Wild Things. Driving to Wakehurst this morning for my artist in residency, on my car radio I hear bellicose Middle Eastern leaders holding forth, and reports of awful police investigations here in the UK. I’m overwhelmed by it, by feelings of despair and...
Meadow Weave: Wakehurst Residency, 2014 (4)
Trail of seeds. This is my working space for my post as artist in residence at Wakehurst, or what I like to call my studio: a couple of straw bales and a farm yard. Sheepskin for a touch of luxury. It's a naturally peaceful spot save for the occasional arrival of a...
Meadow Weave: Wakehurst Residency, 2014 (3)
Bare feet and windrows. I’m at Wakehurst, in Bloomers Valley, checking out the plants in this meadow for my Meadow Weave residency. It’s a species-rich conservation-grade meadow, the result of a big restoration project here. I’m admiring the dramatic...
Forage of the Month
Forage of the Month – May
Nettle Soup This is my favourite nettle soup recipe of all time. The green peas are the game changer: their creamy sweetness balances perfectly with the robust flavour of the nettles. Nettles are plentiful, easy to forage and packed full of nutrition. Pick the leaves...
Forage of the Month- March/April
Cleavers & Nettle Spring TonicMy favourite thing to make as spring arrives. Cleavers and nettles make one of the best spring tonics: cleavers are great for the lymphatic system and nettles are full of nutrition. Cleavers has a lot of different names, but is often...