Girls In The Garden: "Bee the Girl Power" at Red Lion Square
Our second workshop in the 'Girls In The Garden' series, titled "Bee the Girl Power," was set against the lush backdrop of Red Lion Square in Holborn, London, this provided a green haven for our participants to delve into the fascinating world of bumble bees.
Red Lion Square: A Green Oasis in the Heart of Holborn
Red Lion Square, a serene green escape amidst the bustling cityscape, served as the perfect green location for our workshop. Nestled in Holborn, this small square offers a peaceful retreat with its well-maintained lawns, mature trees, and vibrant flower beds. The juxtaposition of nature against the surrounding urban environment highlights the importance of green spaces in our cities, providing not only a refuge for wildlife but also a tranquil spot for city dwellers and local residents.
"Bee the Girl Power" Workshop: Exploring the World of Bumble Bees
Our workshop aimed to introduce girls to the vital role bumble bees play in our ecosystem. Bumble bees are essential pollinators, and without them, many of the clothes and products we wear and the foods we enjoy and rely on wouldn't exist. The session kicked off with an engaging talk on the differences between bumble bees and honey bees, shedding light on the decline of bumble bee populations and the critical need to support their resurgence in urban areas.
Highlights from the Workshop:
Flower and Tree Knowledge: Participants learned about various flowers and trees that attract bees and other pollinators. We discussed the colours and designs that are particularly appealing to bumble bees, drawing inspiration from Sarah Wyndham Lewis' insightful book, "The Wild Bee Handbook."
How Bees See Colours: One fascinating aspect we explored was how bees perceive colours differently than humans and how we could consider our choice of planting. Unlike us, bees can see ultraviolet light, which many flowers use to attract them. This unique vision allows bees to find nectar efficiently, ensuring the pollination process continues smoothly.
Planting Wildflower Seeds: Each participant planted small coir pots filled with potting compost and a mix of native wildflower seeds to take home. This hands-on activity not only gave them a personal project to nurture but also contributed to increasing the urban bumble bee habitat.
Creating a Bee Pollinator Garden: As a collaborative effort, we planted a selection of Lavender, Salvia, and other perennials in the center of Red Lion Square. This new bee-friendly garden will serve as a lasting legacy of our workshop, providing a continuous source of nectar for pollinators.
A warm reception and botanical refreshments: We concluded the workshop with our delightful herbal tea blends and also honey biscuits baked by our botanical baker, offering a sweet end to an enlightening and productive session.
Addressing Loneliness through Gardening
An unexpected yet heart warming outcome of the workshop was the discussion around loneliness and the importance of having engaging activities in particular out in the garden. Many participants, primarily local workers and residents, shared how the garden square was predominantly used by men and how they felt a sense of isolation. Gardening and nature-based activities, as highlighted by the government’s loneliness strategy, can significantly alleviate feelings of loneliness and foster community connections. Our 'Girls In The Garden' initiative aims to bridge this gap, offering a space where women of all ages can come together, learn, and grow.
Looking Ahead: Next Workshop
We're thrilled to announce that our next 'Girls In The Garden- Nature Printing' workshop will take place at St George's Garden on Handel Street on the 11th of June from 4-6 pm. We look forward to continuing our journey, bringing more women together to explore, engage, and enjoy the many benefits of gardening.
Stay tuned for more updates and join us in making our city a greener, more connected place for everyone!