March
Graced with rain most days, the rivers are full, flowing with a vigour that reminds me to be flexible and to move with ease as I impatiently anticipate Spring sunshine and wild flowers. March teaches us to to be present and grateful for what we already have; not living in the slowness of Winter, nor the excitement of Spring, we are forced to make the most of each perfectly unpredictable day.
In the Field
Primroses, cleavers, Alexanders, Sorrel and Nettles; old friends appear again, and as all good friends do, we greet each-other just as before; I gasping with joy and they showing-off their fresh, youthful looks after a Winter of rest. I always feel rich when March comes round. You don’t have to walk far to fill a basket with food and medicine.
2. In the Woods
Forgive me for lack of originality, but what would a March journal be without mention of Wild Garlic? After the rain, I can smell the leaves well before ascending the hill down to my local river where they reside. I fear I too can be smelt from a mile off! I have made wild garlic pesto’s and wild garlic kimchi’s and have a terrible habit of not waiting to tuck into my preserves, perhaps I should come up with a new name for them…
Although a star, the wild garlic does not steal the show, March in the woods is home to the Great Spotted Woodpecker, Early Purple Orchid rosettes and the greenery, or if you’re lucky, occasional flower of Wood Anemone. We are spoilt.
3. In the Garden
Such a sweet month in the garden! All sorts of Spring delights peep up. The fritillaries have to be one of my absolute favourites, their chequered heads bobbing in the wind. I have a soft spot for the wild daffodils (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) too. It is very humbling to have only a few things in flower in the garden, we are forced to be more observant and less judgemental, the simple become sublime.
For those that follow along my journey, you will know that I have begun gardening once or twice a week for Moat Farm. Moat Farm is a wildlife farm having dedicated over 30 years to conservation. Their wildflower meadows are grazed by Longhorn Cattle, enabling them to be some of the most species rich and last remaining in the U.K. It’s a very special place full of rare wild flowers, birds and butterflies and I feel very fortunate to get to spend time here tending to their garden which like the farm, is full of character.
4. In the Fire
This month I have been cooking up lots of sourdough bread and most recently a Magnolia and Rhubarb cake! Magnolia petals are gorgeous to look at whilst also having a delicious ginger taste. The combination of Rhubarb and Magnolia worked so well together, I find seasonal ingredients often do. I’ll share the recipe with you here:
Ingredients:
150g butter
150g sugar
1 egg
200 g ground almons
1 orange zest
100g self-raising flower
3 long stalks of rhubarb
3 handfuls of Magnolia petals and some left over for decorating
Method:
Set oven to 180 degrees
Mix butter and sugar until smooth and creamy
Slowly whisk in egg
Add almonds, orange zest and self-raising flower and mix until combines
Finely tear up Magnolia petals and gently mix in
Pour batter into round cake tin
Top with sliced up rhubarb (you can make a pretty pattern here too if you like!)
Bake at 180 degrees for 30-40 mins checking after 30 mins
Decorate with more flowers!
5. In the Dye Pot
Socks! I am so excited about this! I have been yearning to connect to wool, a natural fibre that is abundant in the area I live. Connecting to the source is very important to me. I am hoping to talk more about this and my journey of working with local farmers and makers to produce my plant-dyed products some time soon.
For now, keep your eyes peeled for the launch of my plant-dyed sock collection coming (very) soon! eek!
The seasonal dye colour palette this month has been soft and gentle and offering all sorts of earthy, spring-like hues. Think pastels, my favourites. I have been working with Dandelion, Heather, Pine and Catkins and as always, feel so humbled by their gifts.
6. Inspiration
This month, since having taken the leap into self-employment, I have felt very alive and creatively inspired. I am grateful for the encouragement and support of my friends. I feel incredibly fortunate to be friends with fellow creatives who are too trying to make a living from their passions. Sharing creative work is very vulnerable and there are times when I wonder what on earth I am doing and if I really am totally bonkers after all. It never fails to make my heart melt with warmth when a friend sends a kind message of support or shares in my plant-dye joy.
So, I am inspired by them, my friends who are brave enough to step into the unknown and put their hearts out into the world. There are too many to name, but here are a few who continue to support and inspire:
Forest Tozer - Ceramicist; working with plants and clay, Forest’s work is a reflection of her connection to nature and beautiful soul. @together_bynature
Emilia Barclay - Photographer; breath-taking photos of rugged, rural landscapes and people, her work has that element of awe! @emiliabarclay
Florence Sweryda - There isn’t much Florence can’t do. Florence is a maker; sewing, painting and printing. Often dainty floral motifs, I always feel transported to a very happy place by Florence’s work. @florence.sweryda
Alex Juliette - ancient crafter; Alex’s work is profound and echoes stories of ancient crafters. I am moved by her connection to wool, she dedicates hours to spin, dye and knit, transforming fibre into beautiful garments. @alex.juliette
Jess Smith - Gardener, Florist and writer. I have a lot to thank Jess for. After reading a piece Jess had written in Cedar magazine, I was immediately captivated by her way with flowers and words. For Jess, gardening is not just a passion but a way of life. I was inspired by Jess from the start and continue to be so today. @_flowerandland
