From October 2023, an exciting and innovative project will be taking place at St Annes House in Bristol. The project involves setting up an indoor community farm, bringing together eight passionate participants from the St Annes area. Together, we will embark on a journey of learning and discovery, focusing on the art of growing fresh and nourishing food during the winter months.
One of the fascinating aspects of this project is the exploration of different methods of cultivation that do not rely on traditional soil-based techniques. We will be diving into the world of hydroponics, an ingenious system that allows plants to grow without soil, using nutrient-rich water instead. This alternative approach will not only expand our horizons but will also enable us to grow a wide variety of crops all year round.
But it's not just about the plants. This project is also about fostering a sense of community and spreading the love of gardening. By sharing our knowledge, resources, and experiences, we hope to create a vibrant and supportive network of individuals enjoying the fruits of their labour.
This ambitious endeavor is made possible through a collaboration between myself, Georgia Bate from BRICKS, Chloe Meineck, and Liz Roberts from UWE. Our efforts have been generously supported by an AHRC grant, further highlighting the importance and impact of this project.
Stay connected with us and follow our progress on Instagram to witness firsthand the growth of this incredible endeavor. Exciting times lie ahead as we embark on this unique adventure of cultivating a flourishing indoor community farm, bringing together people, knowledge, and the joy of gardening. Let's sow the seeds of change together and watch them bloom into a sustainable and thriving future. 🌱✨
Microscopic Plant Life
This summer has been an exciting one as I've had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with staff at the Wolfson Bioimaging Facility, based at the University of Bristol. Our primary focus of study has been on plants and their intricate cellular activities, made possible through cutting-edge and powerful microscopes. It's fascinating to delve into the hidden world of plants, gaining invaluable insights into their biology and unraveling the mysteries that they hold. What makes this research even more special is its involvement in a larger-scale project titled "Practicing vegetal curiosity in arts and social sciences." This ambitious undertaking has been made possible through funding provided by the esteemed Brigstow Institute, showing their dedication to advancing the boundaries of interdisciplinary exploration. One of the project's key collaborators is Dr. Franklin Ginn, an accomplished Cultural Geographer who brings a unique perspective to our investigations.. stay tuned for updates.
WEVAA Bursary
Last month I had the pleasure of speaking with Lucy Badrocke from VASW, about the development of of HydroPoetics, thanks to receiving a WEVAA R&D Bursary last year: https://vasw.org.uk/editorial/interview-with-katy-connor
Generous Food Futures
I will be introducing a session on HydroPoetics at Generous Food Futures, Bricks, Bristol on October 15th
Growing Plants for Generous Futures: the event explores our sensory engagement with plants, as well as an attention to materials and sustainability in a time of climate crisis.
In this session we'll introduce different hydroponic systems, as a potential resource for growing plants in an urban environment, both as individuals and collectively. We will consider how to easily grow plants as an excellent source of fresh food and vitamins, particularly out of season: without the supermarket, shrink-wrap and airmiles. But we'll also be asking more broadly how we might engage with earthly plant-life as companion species. More information about the day’s events can be found here:
Lemon Balm tea in a Martian House
Last week I started to deliver sessions in the Martian House that explore different approaches to the plant life: Growing Liveable Worlds…
One of the participants, Sheryl has written about her experience here on her blog, Just Utopias:
From lemon balm tea in a Martian house to lemon verbena in the woods
Just Utopias : Exploring literary visions of greener, fairer ways of being, by Sheryl M Medlicott
Workshops in the Martian House
I will be running some workshops in the Martian House during September and October, exploring HydroPoetics and expanded aspects of working with living materials.These include a ‘Plant Bathing’ session in the hydrponic living area of the Martian House. Please see the links below to book:
https://www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed/whats-on/an-introduction-to-hydropoetics/
https://www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed/whats-on/shinrin-yoku-plant-bathing-in-the-martian-house/