The Spring Equinox marked the half way point in my DYCP year of research and development. Over the last six months I’ve completed courses in a variety of subjects including natural art materials, arts in health, social and therapeutic horticulture, cyanotype animation and botanical toning. My priority has been studying and most of my spare time has been dedicated to this project, meaning that simple tasks and daily chores are becoming increasingly hard to complete. It feels g

This week I have started volunteering at Leicester Print Workshop, helping to deliver a monoprinting activity for children and families as part of the Cultural Quarter Earlies. Participants painted with Akua intaglio inks onto CAD foil flower templates before putting them through the printing press. I’ve often turned to volunteering as a way of building my confidence, learning something new, and meeting new people who have similar interests. Over the last year I have also vol

Today I’ve been listening to the audiobook of Why Women Grow: Stories of Soil, Sisterhood and Survival by Alice Vincent. I’ve been reflecting on my own journey into horticulture and the reasons why I’ve turned to the land and to soil. Sowing seeds have felt like setting intentions and bring a sense of wonder and hope for the future. This has helped me to refocus my mind onto the present moment and helps to prevent any ruminating thoughts about the past. This takes practice, a