Growing Creativity Through Gardening
Initially and instinctively, I turned towards gardening as a space of safety and refuge at a time when I was experiencing anxiety that threatened to overwhelm me. Taking care of plants taught me valuable lessons in looking after myself - gently, kindly and slowly. Over time, things started to shift and I observed greater changes in myself - an assurance, confidence and creativity that gardening gave me.
Our creativity is so intertwined with our wellbeing, and the reciprocal nature that a connection with plants/garden/green spaces gives us can open up opportunities for exploring this side of ourselves - opportunities to play, create, and be curious. I’ll share my observations here, and would love to hear from others what this relationship brings you.
Noticing - when struggling with my mental health, I felt closed off from the world. Becoming more aware of the plants around me - my favourite being ‘weeds’ (read: wildflowers/garden escapees) that grow through the cracks in the pavement, that made me stop and take notice - their resilience, tenacity, often overlooked beauty gave me hope and joy.
Pausing - walking down the street suddenly had new purpose, I could stop and take a closer look, take a picture to identify later. I became more aware of my immediate world around me, feeling a stronger connection to my environment and area. Noticing the small made me want to be out in the world.
Learning - the thing I love most about connection to plants is the limitless scope for learning. Taking the example of the pavement plant - I could learn its name (along with that some Latin), the history/folklore surrounding it, what it needs to grow, its properties, and how it came to be here.
Connecting - connecting to the natural world, over time helped me to connect with others. Making conversation could be hard, but appreciating the beauty of nature together felt safe and natural. Through gardening at the community allotment I attend, I have made friendships with a wide range of people, and learnt from their perspectives, creativity and knowledge.
Embracing ‘failure’ - when I first started gardening, I was caught up in getting everything just right. I was so convinced of my innate inability to grow things that I’d wake up panicking about the seedlings (a good focus for my anxiety, I guess!). Yet, there is so much comfort and hope given, when seedlings just emerge. Plants can bounce back, even from the laxest care or pernicious pruning. To feel the joy of creating, we need to let go of perfection, enjoy in the process and take pleasure in what emerges - away from criticism.
Loving & caring - if we are to create, we first need to love. I see my creativity as a small seedling, it needs love, care, patience and attention to flourish and thrive. We need to provide the space and the right conditions for it to grow - hence why schools too often aren’t the best places to foster creativity (but that’s for another essay!). Loving, tending and caring to a garden (or houseplant), opens up space for loving and caring ourselves - if we cultivate a more loving internal voice, we are more receptive to playing and exploring.
In a society that often feels unsafe (especially for those who are black or of colour, LGBTQ+ or disabled) garden spaces have the power to provide sanctuary and refuge. But too often, these spaces can be exclusionary, inaccessible, and places of privilege. The lessons plants teach us - abundance, reciprocity, thriving in diverse communities - all have powerful and radical ripples in a society that wants to quash this.
From these lessons and reflections, my friends and I created FLORXL zine. We want to create a space that offers a sense of safety and sanctuary within the pages - to create a platform that brings people together, where anyone can share their stories, poetry, art, crafts, etc. - and to contribute some joy to the world.
Our goal is to create a vibrant community of plant lovers and pals! You can find our first issue here. I’d love to hear from you if you’d like to get involved or talk aboutplants!Â
All proceeds of FLORXL zine go to the Lemon Tree Trust, who create gardens of refugee, therapy and connection in refugee camps.
