Saturday 5th August was a day for a creative workshop run by Louise Grassby making batik silk paintings. It was a cold wet day so we decamped from the garden to the kitchen and picked flowers from the garden as inspiration instead of being able to go round the garden. Batik pictures were created that were all inspired by nature. Louise took everyone through the process of making the pictures step by step so the everybody knew exactly how to do their pictures. Tea, coffee and biscuits were enjoyed while we waited for the wax to dry and there was much laughter and shared chat throughout the workshop. Nerves about creating pictures for those who didn’t feel they were confident artists were overcome by Louise’s support and encouragement and by shared enthusiasm for the process. It was a very successful workshop which was really enjoyed by all the participants and it was a very good alternative way to spends a Saturday morning creating art and promoting health and well being simply by enjoying yourself and creating 2 pictures to take away and display wherever you want to. Two were going in a kitchen with colours chosen specifically to match the decor! Louise has been a great find for Nurturenature and we will be doing more art workshops with her in the future. The garden (when it isn’t pouring with rain) is looking glorious with the hydrangea Annabelle in the cool bed in full bloom forming big white balls which make a “hedge” along the back of the bed. The hot bed is a riot of colour and full of blooms. Events coming up include a creative writing workshop on 19th August based around nature and folklore and (weather permitting) taking place in the garden. There is also an open day and plant sale on September 2nd. Booking is essential for the workshop but just turn up between 10 and 4 for the open day. Also if you would just like to come and look round the garden and/or sit in this lovely space just contact me on 07831505624 or nurturenature61@gmail.com and we can fix up a time. It is a space that is very special and that we are keen to share to promote both physical and mental well being. I know it is critical to maintaining my own mental health. Such a wonderful thing to be in nature and share space with the birds, bees and butterflies. I hope to see some of you here soon.