About the Charms & Challenges

Écueillé & Églanterre

On a ragged edge of a very ordinary yet delightful in many ways town called Écueillé lies Églanterre. Weird, wonky, weedy and wonderful patch of earth. Its refusal to behave, the stubborn brambles that guard it, the wild soft pink roses with wicked thorns that tangle into impossible knots... it turns out, we were meant for each other.

"Églantier" means rosehip, "terre" means earth in French... Églanterre, well, do I need to explain?

Under the glorious oak, ideas were born over the years and have taken root, at times taking on the shape of seasoned mischief and, at long last, growing into some kind of maturity. The idea of sharing the place, the knowledge, the vibe, the perfect imperfection, was just a dream at first, in the meantime it has become my mission.

An unpolished, off-grid space for humans to gather, share, laugh and play, whilst coming up with the most brilliant creations, be it art, be it a plant remedy or just to spot a beautiful leaf or hear the woodpecker pecking away ... oh, the endlessness of it all...

Rooted in my training as a medical herbalist, and shaped by a love of music, creativity and simply being outside in nature, I aim to bring together science, tradition and creativity. Plants have always been core to me, not simply being resources, remedies or decorations, but the backdrop to our human story.

My approach is open, down-to-earth, hands-on and often very playful! While my work is grounded in professional knowledge, I believe that plants belong to everyone, and that some of the most meaningful learning happens through direct experience. I love creating interactive spaces where people engage and feel comfortable to ask questions, to get their hands dirty and to share their own experiences.

Over the years I have become more and more fascinated by the relationship between people and plants, and I have realised just how far we have drifted from natural life. I hope that by offering my precious patch of Églanterre, together with my knowledge and ways unique to me, that people, you with other words, will rediscover the value of making, growing, noticing and caring for the world around us. And should your go home with more questions than answers, I'll be delighted!

Ps. it's that sweet spot where I'm after... that is where the magic happens.

More to it than learning

Life doesn't always have to be serious. Seriously.