A celebration of this season of renewal, nature’s ever-changing bounty and the therapeutic power of gardening and enjoying homegrown produce

It’s spring. Delicate pale-pink blossom cloaks the cherry tree, catkins hang from the hazel and birch trees, and tender new willow leaves seem to glow in the light. Swelling buds cover every shrub and shoots peek out from the soil. Bulbs emerge from their winter sleep, offering pollen to the first solitary bees out looking for flowers. A robin hops around, picking up twigs and dry grass to build a nest, while other birds fly overhead, singing their cheerful song. At times, the sun breaks through the clouds and dewdrops sparkle like diamonds in the light. The earth is awakening and wildlife is bustling with activity, preparing for a new season of growth.

I walk around the garden, a cup of tea in my hands, taking it all in and reflecting on the healing properties of gardening and tuning in to the seasons. This garden, which four years ago was just a small field full of weeds, has become sanctuary, medicine and teacher. The desire to create a calm place for walking, sitting and connecting with nature guided my design choices. The result is a personal space, filled with favourite plants. It’s a quiet, sensory garden that both humans and other animals can enjoy, and that fills me with a profound sense of gratitude.