30 Days Wild: Days 7-9

The first week of #30DaysWild has flown by. Even though I’ve been getting out in nature in various different ways, it hasn’t been an effort: in fact, it’s been a joy.

The more attention I’ve paid to nature, the more I’ve noticed how much beauty there is in the world. A flower poking through the crack in the wall is a piece of art up close.

There is birdsong around far more than we might usually notice, and it’s really soothing if you tune into it and listen. I even found myself trying to identify a bug flying round my face, rather than trying to brush it away.

So far, 30 Days Wild has shaped up like this.

Find a bird family.
Collect feathers.
Explore urban wildlife.
Do some nature themed crafting
Introduce a friend to #30DaysWild
Go on a nature walk

On day seven, I decided it was time to give my garden some love. OK, technically I don’t have a garden – just a selection of tubs inside and out – but you’d be surprised by how much you can grow without a proper garden.

I watered my tomatoes, herbs and flowers, taking close up shots to see what they look like when I zoomed in. I love the shapes that are revealed.

I was even more excited to discover tiny aliens in my lawn, too small to see from standing but stunning and clearly visible as long as I sat on the grass and really looked for them.

It felt like a secret gift from nature: a reward for taking the time to connect. I am definitely a fan of taking a closer look.

On day eight, I went for a canal walk, admiring the ducks as ever. I saw a sign warning of Japanese knotweed invasion, took a photo of it, and returned home to research it.

I already knew a bit about Japanese knotweed, but only as a deadly invader. I was surprised to discover that it is also deemed rather a gourmet treat, that tastes like rhubarb.

I have no desire to ignore the sign and find out: knotweed can work its way through concrete and grows extremely fast. As such, planting it carries heavy penalties – as does disposing of it incorrectly (you have to be incredibly careful not to let it take root, even going as far as to burn it).

On the plus side, if the urban sprawl is taken over by Japanese knotweed, at least there will be something tasty to eat. Have you tasted it? If so, I’d love to know how accurate the rhubarb comparison is.

On day nine, I woke to one of the most beautiful things in nature: a newborn – in this case, a freshly bloomed geranium. It had grown from a plug which had been reduced when I bought it, because it was so dried up, so I felt particularly proud of myself for bringing it back to life.

The blossom was white with pale pink trim. I’ve never seen a geranium like it before: I’d assumed it was going to be red but the delicate white is even more lovely.

It marked a good start to the day, and I felt inspired to green my office. I set off into town and, a few plants later, my home office was more of a garden office.

There are plants in the seating area; plants on my desk; plants (and a tree) on the side shelf; and solar powered lights on the bookshelf (I find solar powered lights a great way to create mood lighting at home without racking up bills – and Poundland currently has a 6 for the price of 5 offer on, making it even cheaper).

I also added a pair of googly eyes to a mossy plant I’d bought, because they seemed to fit so well, draped the garland I made on day 4 over the monitor, added the word ‘grow’ to the corner of the monitor in stick-on letters, and felt pleased with the overall look. However, the plant clearly needs a name so please say in the comments is one springs to mind (NB: not Mossy McMossFace)

I feel so much happier in my green and fragrant office than the more urban environment I’d got used to. The air feels purer and it’s relaxing just walking in there.

Every day of 30 Days Wild is getting better and better. And tomorrow is World Gin Day, so I may just have to taste a botanical or two as part of #30DaysWild.

30 Days Wild So Far…

Find a bird family.
Collect feathers.
Explore urban wildlife.
Do some nature themed crafting
Introduce a friend to #30DaysWild
Go on a nature walk
Take a closer look at the garden
Learn more about a plant
Turn the office green

What next? Finding out more about nature volunteering, making fairy gardens and pressed flower collages, and going to an open garden event are all on the list but I’m still going with the flow. It feels like it’s the natural thing to do (almost as natural as the hug this flower is offering – maybe in thanks to everyone who’s doing #30DaysWild.)