Poetry in the Autumn Garden

21 November | 2-4.30pm | £25

Autumn is a time of change, of vibrant colours, of the garden transforming itself after a summer of harvest. It is also a time for reflection, of seeing life slow down in preparation for winter. But the garden continues to nurture itself, shedding layers that feed back into and nourishes the soil, investing its energies into recycling and resting, re-energising.

It’s the perfect time for us to slow down, to gather and rest, to acknowledge the energy that summer has provided us with its vibrancy and sunshine. At this particular time when we are all so swamped with busy lives and information, any time spent in nature is beneficial to mind and body; it give us the opportunity to take stock of our lives, and replenish our own energies as we deal with life’s ongoing challenges.

Join us at the Garden Gate this autumn to acknowledge this time of change, to give thanks for what nature gives us, and to see the garden with a new, fresh perspective. Give yourself time to notice what trees have shed their leaves, how they fall, or what small changes manifest themselves. Listen to the sounds of any  wild creatures that may be about, or notice any visible details of what is growing this time of year, the architectural detail and layout of vegetable or flower beds, or signs that show the communication between gardener and garden.  Allow yourself and remind yourself that you are nature too.

Whether you are new to poetry or if you are an established writer, this workshop will inspire and direct you on how to observe and find the words to express yourself through poetry.

THE GARDEN

This well-loved community garden is well used to hosting events, and caters for variable weather. We shall be wandering around the garden, and there is shelter and seating in the polytunnel. Refreshments are included.

THE WRITER

Maggie Harris is a published writer of 13 books, an experienced Creative Writing tutor and workshop facilitator. She has performed her work internationally and has collaborated in several literary events. Her passion for gardening is expressed through many of her books, and this year her poetry collection , I Sing to the Greenhearts , has won both the Jhalak Prize for Poetry and the Guyana Prize for Literature. She is a keen gardener and cultivates her own allotment.

www.maggieharris.co.uk