A new book by local horticulturalist, plantswoman and garden designer Jan Hoyland encourages us to think differently about our own small patches of land and rediscover the magic of gardening.
Jan is passionate about nature-friendly approaches to gardening and in The Alchemy of Gardening she takes us through the gardening year, tuning us in to the rhythms of the seasons, offering practical tips and a mindful philosophy, inspiring us to interfere less, pay closer attention and create beautiful, harmonious spaces, both for ourselves and the wildlife that surrounds us.
The spark that ignited her writing this, her first book, came in 2019, when, while juggling the many challenges of running a business, caring for her mother, and moving into and rebuilding a remote derelict smallholding in North Yorkshire, Jan was diagnosed with a life-limiting chronic illness. This experience not only taught her to slow down and listen more carefully to nature’s teachings; it gave her a new approach to gardening. Jan believes we can all benefit from this, for our own health and wellbeing, as well as for our gardens.
“I want people to think differently about how and why we garden” she says. “I’ve designed and tended many gardens over the years and reached a point where I feel I have the experience, and perhaps a helpful perspective, that I want to share with a broader audience. I’ve always wanted to write a book and my approach, which calls for simpler gardening that’s more tuned-in to nature, will appeal to gardeners with all kinds of gardens and all levels of experience.”
Jan’s passion for gardening and nature began at a very young age. She trained at Askham Bryan College and in the 25 years since has held prestigious roles with the National Trust as Head Gardener at Rievaulx and Nunnington Hall in Yorkshire and Trengwainton in Cornwall. She was also Curator at the Yorkshire Arboretum from 2011 to 2013. Jan now works across the UK as a freelance garden designer and gardener.
Helen Neave, Founder and Director of Make It Wild says:
“Jan was the obvious choice when my garden needed a revamp. She made sure she understood what I wanted – and then she improved on it!
Jan’s understanding of gardening with nature at its core helped to create a natural masterpiece. My garden is now an absolute riot of structure, colour, texture, bees, birds, butterflies, and sheer joy!
I’m thrilled she’s written a book to spread her unique viewpoint to the world. The Alchemy of Gardening is a wonderful rethinking of our approach to gardening”.
The Alchemy of Gardening chimes perfectly with the wider conversation currently in this country and internationally around gardening.
It is already a valued companion for Jan’s early readers, some of whom have said – and I quote:
“…I’m loving your book. I’m only on page 40 and..I’m so totally engaged with it… it’s brilliant” “… I’m mesmerized – and I’m so glad I haven’t started work on my new garden yet”
“ Deep, beautiful and transformative” “a quick message to say how much I am enjoying your book. It’s just really transporting my mind to such a lovely place. Enjoying your words of wisdom”
The Alchemy of Gardening will be available from YorkBookShop.com https://yorkbookshop.com/the-natural-world/453-the-alchemy-of-gardening.html
Snowdrop Kokedama at Hovingham market Feb. 2020
