Alice Vincent is an author, garden writer and journalist who, at the time of recording, gardened on her balcony in London. Her book, Rootbound, Rewilding a Life, describes her journey to becoming a gardener as an almost accidental way of supporting herself at a time of personal crisis and is a delightful read.

It is, she wrote herself, ‘about plants, and people, and the things that grow up in between the cracks - love, longing and life” and she weaves together the themes of gardening, coming of age, mental health, plants, travel and the history of women in gardening in a way that is readable, accessible and gave us masses to talk about. Read more by clicking on ‘Episode Web Page’ below.

With a history of low confidence, anxiety and panic attacks, Annabelle Padwick (who lives on a narrow-boat on the canal near Oxford) came back to gardening and Growing her Own veg in her 20s as a way of supporting herself to get well.

At age 27, having experienced the difference that gardening had made to how she felt, and what she was able to achieve day to day, she formed Life at no 27, a social enterprise that supports children in school, and adults through gardening.

We had a lovely conversation during which we discussed her garden, how she re-grows vegetables in water after eating them, the way she does in schools supports the children who access it and lots more.

Sarah Layton, of Growthfully and Claire Branigan of In Tune Wellbeing talk about forest bathing, women’s wellbeing in the middle years, Claire's relationship with her garden and what it was like working with Sarah to create a new design layout, as well as about garden vintage.

There is also a GIVEAWAY this week - win a copy of 'Your Guide to Forest Bathing' by Amos Clifford.

Sarah Layton, of Growthfully, and Sara Venn discuss how Sara uses gardening to help those living in challenging circumstances to improve their lives, what inspires her about her work, who influenced her and how, her own garden and it’s wildlife and much more.

Sarah Layton, of Growthfully, and Elizabeth Cairns, The Empowered Entrepreneur, discuss the connection between nature and wellbeing, Elizabeth’s relationship with her own garden, how her buddhist practice informs it and the ways in which we can harness nature to nurture us day to day.

Elizabeth’s statement that ‘nature is always resilient and we are not separate from that’ seems particularly resonant at this lockdown time.

Melissa and Sarah Layton, of Growthfully, have an inspiring conversation about Melissa’s relationship with the land, nature and wildlife and how this informs her work and self care. We also discuss motherhood and career challenges, perfectionism/good enough, going with the flow and, actually, much more.

Things we discuss this episode: Fiona's allotment and how her relationship with it supports her mental health, reducing her experience of panic attacks and depression. Fiona's solo travel. How she learns to live in tune with her wellbeing and more.

Things we talk about this episode: Mrs Earle - the 19C feminist gardener and author of 'Pot Pourri from a Surrey Garden, in whose country garden Clare's home and garden are situated, Clare's relationship with her garden, the evocative nature of plants as gifts, our relationship with our bodes and Clare’s amazing wisteria.

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