First Gardening session with Friends of YWMP!

What a lovely time. On a day that one might not otherwise go out (blistering wind and rain and a very strong and full river!), I was so grateful for being outside gardening and chatting. I met three volunteers alongside Ros. I spent the morning sewing seeds with the two men who have been coming for a long time (I won't currently name names as I haven't asked for permission for confidentiality), each week without fail. They had a wonderful relationship;, learning from another and joking. They were so welcoming and taught me so patiently the best way to sew each seed and we planted so many! Sunflowers, radish, spinach, cress, lettuce, beetroot, peas, chilli, tomatoes... in the two hours I learned about the different seed appearances for each vegetable or plant and the right conditions for them. The process naturally became a production line with team work and chatter. I learned that one gentleman had been a gardener and roofer and so knows a bit about construction for a bench (!) and the other gentleman does pub quizzes all over the area and often does them with the group! I LOVE a pub quiz and am very familiar due to my work at a pub and creative project with one in the past, and so he will bring in a quiz for us to do next week. This may be something that could produce a beautiful part of the project perhaps incorporating a creative round or one that explores nature and history. He, too, knows about building and construction as he had already built one for the group previously...they both seem really down for making a bench which is wonderful as Ros mentioned they don't often feel like they want to get involved with the other craft projects, so this feels right up their street! They were so knowledgeable about gardening, animals, nature and the land and held many stories, wit and humour within them...I'd love to get to know them more as I join them in learning about gardening through their kind and welcoming guidance.

Perhaps as I develop a relationship with the group- which I prioritise as the most important thing, I don't want to dive into any creating/ideas just yet, as I want to connect and learn about everyone naturally- I can then begin to ask about recording stories/taking pictures/films...as they both mentioned as a joke being the new TV gardeners...but perhaps I can put a spin on this and actually bring this into action for the community!...perhaps a series of mini tutorials on planting?! We also mentioned joining forces with activities in Calon Taf, as they both look after their garden too, planting and maintaining the beds.

I have ideas whirring in my head now....to rent a camera....!

An email sent to Ros:

Dear Ros,

Thank you so much for today. I had such a wonderful time sewing seeds, chatting and laughing alongside ___and___ they are full of stories, wit and knowledge! It was so nice to get outside and get gardening, I feel very grateful.

A thought has popped into my mind in the couple of hours since I've been back...and I wondered whether (and I would have to ask/get permission etc.) the volunteers would like me to film them at work as part of this project?!

I ask this because in a passing joke _____ and _____mentioned being the new TV Gardeners (what is that guys name they often refer to?!) and it gave me a lightbulb moment that perhaps I could film them doing some tutorials/in process for the community to watch back, as a way of celebrating their contributions to Friends of YWMP and their gardening knowledge, and also recording their stories and amazing relationship! I have a real love of sound work and documentary style pieces where real people share their voices. This could be something not only for an art trail but that could go on the website of the park, Calon Taf, to welcome people to the group and also bring the outside in to those who may not be able to leave the house. Of course, it would be down to what people are comfortable with, but do let me know what you think!

Warmest wishes and many thanks for today,

See you in two weeks' time!

Connie 🙂

Additional thoughts when brainstorming with others...

On phone to my dad, a cameraman, I asked about borrowing a work camera of his that video journalists use...although, we also spoke about camera usage going both ways...as often people act up to the camera which is why documentary makers spend a lot of time with people so eventually people forget the camera is there...phones therefore are easier for on the hoof interactions and may be less intrusive...however I also think using a camera could also make things feel special? It's an interesting exploration I'd like to learn more about...as I'd very much like it to be natural and encapsulate the natural conversations that happen during the gardening experience and interactions.

My mentor Roisin also gave some advice about processes and art and knowing your own process and being okay that sometimes it is slow, owning this, as we are all different. She also mentioned garden being quite a gender neutral thing in the eyes of society, an interesting consideration, as we had the discussion about arts and crafts and people who identify as female. Thinking about gender and activities has cropped up multiple times, so may be an area that actually calls for being noted, researched and acknowledged in this journey.