Another lockdown!

November 2020

With most of November spent in yet another lockdown I feel that I’ve almost forgotten what ‘normal life’ is like and it’s become increasingly hard to stay positive. I need to remind myself that I’m one of the lucky ones though, not least that I have the time, space and freedom to play. 

So with less time needed in the garden here I am, in my messy studio with a bag of clay and a small collection of indoor plants acquired, just the day before lockdown, from Nell & Green, a lovely little independent shop newly opened in Sudbury.

Tiny, spidery-leaved Tillandsias, commonly known as air plants were first to get me hooked. They don’t need soil or much attention - just water misting and a good soaking for 2 to 3 hours every couple of weeks. Ceropegia Woodii, commonly known as String of Hearts, is another low maintenance, must-have trailing plant for indoors. It needs watering every 10 days or so and is happy growing in a sunny spot. 

Experimenting with ways to display them I’ve found myself drawn to shapes from nature; leaves, pebbles and stones and simple decoration. Pared-back colours and abstract mark making seem to suit this group of strangely alluring, other-worldly plants. 

I haven’t yet mentioned Pilea peperomioides the Chinese Money plant. Easy to grow, with shiny circular leaves on slender bobbing stems, the saying goes that if you put a coin in the surrounding soil you’ll be showered with riches. I’ve had one for years and can’t guarantee that - just saying!