Mindful Garden

Monday 10 August

What happens when plants and nature‑based words begin to fade?

Course Description

Join us at Ness Botanic Gardens for a creative, hands‑on workshop hosted by Mindful Garden, delivered as part of an exciting PhD research project at Liverpool John Moores University.

This immersive experience is designed for young people aged 6–15 who have an interest in art and nature. Inspired by historical plant specimens and archives, including the Liverpool Botanical Trust collection. The workshop invites participants to explore how plants have been recorded, valued, and sometimes forgotten over time.

Together, we’ll explore the important connection between plants, medicine, and the urgent need for protection, uncovering why conservation matters in a changing climate. You’ll learn real herbarium techniques by discovering the art and science behind preserving plant specimens. Alongside this, we’ll revive “lost” nature words through poetry, giving voice to what is vanishing.

Your creations will be invited to feature in a special exhibition at Ness Botanic Gardens, and you’ll be welcomed back later in the year for an exclusive private viewing event celebrating your contributions.

Sessions are led by Samantha Cooper, a practice-based, interdisciplinary researcher helping to combat "plant blindness" in relation to medicinal plants through engaging botany-based public activities and exhibitions using “art-science toolkits.” Through her work, she aims to raise public awareness and foster appreciation for these plants, ensuring their survival for future generations.
Samantha is a PhD Researcher at Liverpool John Moores University and Botany Volunteer at Liverpool World Museum Herbarium.

These workshops form part of Samantha’s PhD research and have received ethical approval from Liverpool John Moores University. Participation in the research is entirely voluntary, and you may opt in or out at any time. Further details are available in the participant information sheet.

If you are happy to take part in the research project, Samantha will provide a consent form for you to complete in person on the day of the workshop. You do not need to participate in the research in order to attend or take part in the workshop.

Dates and times

The mindful garden sessions will run from 10am-1pm in the Bulley room on selected dates during the school holidays: 

Summer dates:

• Monday 10 August
• Tuesday 11 August
• Wednesday 12 August 

Cost

The workshops are priced at £2.00 per person. Only those that have purchased a ticket will be provided with workshop materials. Adults if you'd like to take part yourselves, please book a ticket too! Non-participating adults are free of charge. Children must be supervised by an adult during the workshop. 

Please note admission to Ness Botanic Gardens applies- if you wish to visit the gardens after the workshop please use your membership card or pay full general admission to access the gardens. 

Please also review Ness Botanic Gardens' workshop and event terms and conditions (PDF) for important details regarding booking, participation and cancellations.