Hola.
We live in a world that is both profoundly beautiful and deeply flawed. On one hand, hatred, division, and ignorance cast a shadow over human existence. Yet, at the same time, nature carries on in quiet harmony, bees, butterflies, and moths flit from flower to flower, pollinating the plants that sustain life. It’s not only them, beetles, ants, birds, mammals, and even the winds contribute to pollination. Each plays their role, ensuring that the Earth continues in its natural rhythm. Amid chaos, nature remains a testament to resilience, cooperation, and the intricate balance that keeps the world in motion.
Stopping to pause, taking just five minutes to watch the delicate dance of nature, makes the problems that society faces right now fade away. How can anyone overlook or worse disregard the beauty that we are surrounded by is beyond me. By disregard, I mean the wide use of pesticides or herbicides, or any chemicals. Lately, I have become deeply passionate about this subject, as I don't think that many people realise the damage that is being done on our behalf in cheap food production, those who do have started growing their food to alleviate the pressure on the system or provide plants in their garden spaces for nature to help it to thrive. When you do begin to grow food, you start to realise that it is not an easy task, it's hard work, which in turn makes you appreciate the farmers more for their efforts. Growing plants can lead to a deeper appreciation of all life on the planet, which is what it did to me.
Last week, we attended RHS Chelsea for two days, supporting Sarah, the lovely plant rescuer, with her beautiful cacti and succulent display that she had created. On day one, we met a lovely fellow plant enthusiast, and we both got the chance to spend most of the day taking in the sights of Chelsea. The main gardens were difficult to see due to their popularity, but the balcony gardens were more visible, and the houseplant displays even more so.
My favourite plant display was not from one of the display gardens, it was at a bar (not that I drank), it had lime and mint green hostas, some purple salvias, light purple iris, and ferns; it was quite the picture. Oh, and also the display within a red telephone box. Picture below of my favourite planting scheme:
Day two, I decided to walk from the apartment in the Kensington area to the flower show. Many Chelsea stores take part in a flower display. It was a very long walk, but it did allow me to take in some stunning sights. Still, I couldn't help but think about how many of those flowers were grown using chemical treatments. The cut flower industry relies heavily on pesticides to perfect its crops, and I wonder if this is why floristry courses aren't so widely available. I used to love a bouquet, but now I realise what a cost to the ecosystem they are. I now prefer to see flowers still on the plant unless they have been grown naturally by a local grower.
I know a local grower who is very conscious of her impact on the planet. To do things the right way, it can cost more to produce, but surely it is better to do the right thing? Leaving a planet behind for future generations to enjoy instead of leaving them a dying planet. I'm glad that the local grower I know thinks so even though it means that she isn't as competitive as those who import a lot of their products into the country. I don't know what happened to me, but I can no longer think about trivial things being an issue when there are so many real issues that need to be solved in the world.
I arrived at the flower show to meet two more lovely volunteers and a few more people whom Sarah kindly introduced me to. Everyone I met was warm and welcoming, making it an enjoyable experience.
You will be proud - I didn't buy any plants! There weren't many for sale instead, the show featured a range of pop-up stores selling everything from art to sheds, and I believe that they auction the display plants on the last day. The only downside to the trip was the pollen counts as they were so high, guess it's to be expected with all those plants in one place.
Lately, I’ve been painting more—it almost feels like possession. I’ve also returned to my third book, which AI claims is shaping into a fantastic horror novel. Writing my fourth book, centered around plants, feels more necessary than ever. Maybe my brain feels scattered because I’m juggling ideas, keeping down a job, trying to be there for others, all while also worrying about the state of the world.
I’m grateful for my day job, but with it comes unnecessary drama, caused by the kind of people who thrive on creating it. I love being of service to others, but I know I’m in the wrong profession. Every day now, I get this feeling that I am not where I am supposed to be, and it's not an ego thing; it's my soul screaming to be released from the prison that it feels like it's in.
Today, it’s my turn to volunteer at the gardening club store, followed by a local plant sale. Some of my best plant finds this year have come from bring-and-buy sales. They’re treasure troves, not just for unique, affordable plants, but for firsthand advice from passionate growers. Plus, supporting local initiatives makes the purchase feel even more worthwhile.
I hope life is treating you well and that your plants are thriving, hopefully safe from the pests that seem determined to take over this year. Aphids, whiteflies, and greenflies have claimed center stage in the UK thanks to the dry, humid weather. Last year, it was a battle against slugs and snails with all the wet conditions. A gardener’s life is never easy, but the rewards make every challenge worthwhile.
By the way, a simple spray bottle filled with soapy water works wonders against flying pests. Even better, planting species that attract their natural predators provides a sustainable solution, something I explore in depth within my membership site. One day, I hope to build a vibrant community of passionate people committed to making the planet a better place. That vision led to the concept of a biophilic renaissance, which I wrote about in my latest article for Brainz.
Muchos love x