The Gardener’s Notebook
Queer, guerilla and grassroots, George Hudson picks the Instagrammers shaking up the world of gardening
There is a wealth of Londonbased horticultural creators sharing their experiences, advice and musings online. Here are six gardening experts and activists you should know about right now.
1. @OctaviaChill
On TikTok and Instagram, guerilla gardening tips from green activist Ellen Miles blew up during the pandemic, as she reclaimed neglected green spaces with plants, flowers and seed bombs. She started @ dreamgreen.earth, demystifying the art of guerilla gardening for first-timers and giving advice on how to scope out potential spots and ‘dream green’ for your community.
2. @ErrolReubenFernandes
Garden designer and head of horticulture at the Horniman Museum, Errol Reuben Fernandes is pushing the limits of what can be achieved in a London garden as the climate warms. Follow James Hitchmough’s prairie planting, new dry gardens and quasinatural miyawaki tree planting.
3. @Grow 2Knowcic
Founded by Tayshan HaydenSmith — pictured with fellow director Danny Clarke — when the community turned to gardening and nature in the aftermath of Grenfell, Grow2know is a grassroots group on a mission to reclaim green spaces and use them as a catalyst for positive change in the community.
4. @QueerBotany
Taking a two-way look at botany and gardening from a queer perspective, @queerbotany asks: “How can botany be queered & how can queerness be botanical?”
From plants that are by their nature “queer”, having both male and female flowers, to interpreting marginalised perspectives through plants and green spaces, the project launched by Sixto-Juan Zavala seeks to unearth a
new way of looking and thinking about the plants around us.
5. @UlaMariaStudio
Sharing content from her garden design creations and looks from other gardens, landscape architect Ula Maria’s feed is the ultimate in small garden inspiration. Check her highlights for planting combinations and advice for getting the most from small spaces.
6. @RightsForWeeds
Professional urban forager
Izzy shares her discoveries of London’s edible flora and fungi. From alien crumpets (black morel mushrooms) to three-cornered leeks (a type of wild garlic), you can find dinner on your doorstep. She regularly offers foraging walks; the next one happens on Saturday.