I’ve been fascinated by plants and their relationships ever since my teenage years (the 1980s). The early thrill of identification led on to learning about familial relationships, origins and preferred habitats (I’m from North Devon by the way, where I live today). Following this golden thread has involved formal education in horticulture, landscape architecture and ecology, yet my path has been largely self-directed or guided by certain plants. Ever onward and deeper, this journey has transformed early received wisdom (the mind-set of control over the plant realm), wilding it with Gaian thinking (and feeling), amongst other things. I’ve found that from this more connected worldview one person’s weed can, for instance, become another’s wisdom.

Pete’s presentation on weeds was both enlightening and thought provoking. Stephen, Tiverton

Over the past few years my studies and contemplation have intensified organically, and I now feel called to advocate for the plant realm and the rapidly (re-)emerging insights that are inspiring a deeper understanding of it, and more harmonious ways for people to interact with it. This recent impetus has progressed from the changing nature of the British flora (due to garden escapes and climate change), to the ecological roles of so-called invasive plants, and on to a more networked view of vegetation (as a whole) and how that could help us, increasingly, to express our power with it, rather than simplistically and ignorantly over it. Add the now well established health benefits of time spent with plants and I’m not daunted by the future – I’m excited by it!

I have thoroughly enjoyed Pete’s eloquent sharing of his extensive knowledge of the vegetal realm, with his unique take on how and why plants appear in specific contexts. His explanations and revelations re-ignite our innate sense of wonder and hence our responsibilities to the natural world. Marianne, Northam