the infinitesimal connections between the life below and above ground are so vast that we are only at the beginning of understanding all the processes
STORIES · 20.01.25
Events | Garden | Mindful Living | Sustainability
Organic farming works in harmony with nature’s rhythms, nurturing and protecting the earth and helping to build and sustain one of our most valuable resources – its soil. This belief has shaped everything we do at Daylesford, so it is a joy to be sponsoring a new exhibition, SOIL: The World at Our Feet, opening at London’s Somerset House this week. Curated by the brilliant Henrietta Courtauld and Bridget Elworthy of The Land Gardeners, it was a privilege to discuss the inspiration behind their curation – plus the small steps we can all take to help save our soils.
We all share a deep respect with nature and affinity with the land and our soil. Do you remember how this began for you?
For Henrietta it was running a ‘mud pie factory’ in her garden as a child and for Bridget it was spending hours conducting the herbaceous borders as a little girl.
What was the catalyst that inspired your exhibition at Somerset House?
Having written our book, Soil To Table, we wanted to try and introduce more people to soil, opening up the wonders of this natural resource through the eyes of artists. Many people don’t realise the importance soil has to all life on earth, so we wanted to educate in way that was fun, beautiful and relevant.
Is there a message that you hope visitors will take away from it?
That soil is precious and alive and that we all can play a part in nurturing it – either through the way we grow or by supporting farmers and growers who are healing soils and producing nutrient dense food.
You have curated an incredible and varied collection of artists. Is there a piece that particularly resonates with you?
Semantica has an artwork which explores the correlation between the stock exchange, arable farming and the microbes beneath the soil.
Can you explain a little more about why soil is the lifeblood of our ecosystem?
It all begins and ends with the soil. The infinitesimal connections between the life below and above ground are so vast that we are only at the beginning of understanding all the processes – and this includes our connections to the cosmos.
many people don’t realise the importance soil has to all life on earth, so we wanted to educate in way that was fun, beautiful and relevant
Do you believe it has the potential to heal our planet?
100% – healthy soil provides a solution to climate change and temperature rises, improved flood protection, drought resilience and sustainable food production. There is so much hope and so many people around the world leading the way. The last installation in the show is a large ‘Map of Hope’ where you can surf the world to find solutions.
Tell me about your innovative Climate Compost inoculum.
It is made from the Steiner / Luebke method of controlled aerobic composting. This produces humus-based compost called inoculum – which is super beneficial for germination through seed inoculation and plant health with foliar sprayers through the growing season.
I think individual, mindful changes are key to collective action. What small habits can people adopt to encourage a more sustainable relationship with the Earth?
If you have a garden, keep the soil covered with growing plants and use green manures in between plantings. Keep the soil aerated using a broad fork, then sow seeds or plants. Do not use chemicals – there are many ways to protect and feed your plants. Our book and our soil platform, Soil & The Land Gardeners, are both great resources for recipes. If you don’t grow your food, then support people like Daylesford who do care for the soil. You have the power to treat the soil correctly.
The recent wildfires in California have brought the reality of climate change home for so many people. What does the future hold for the next generation?
Well, that is our choice. We all need to do what ever we can to make a difference. Support people, politicians and business who are 100% supporting the environment. We must also learn skills to be more self-reliant and teach our children skills and resilience for the world ahead.
Spring bulbs are some of my favourite plants – particularly snowdrops and paperwhites which I will pot and bringing into the house this season. What is exciting you in your gardens at the moment?
Wintersweet is a joy, the daphne is coming out and the cheerful aconites and snowdrops are just peeking through. We bring camellias inside while still in bud. Their green shiny leaves are wonderful, and the buds will open after a week or two – heaven. We also long for the first mimosa which will be here in a few weeks.
What advice would you give someone with a resolution to begin gardening this year?
Just start. So, first order some seeds – the Real Seed Company will inspire you for vegetables. Buy a broad fork – great for tackling vast areas of weeds and for aerating soil. Buy four large bags of green manure – phacelia, mustard, buckwheat, and crimson clover – and spread liberally on any bare patches of soil. Use it to feed, mulch and heal your soils. Look at some catalogues for inspiration and think about what you want to focus on this year. Having dived deeply into roses the past few years, this year we are feeling a pull towards the vertical and are slightly obsessed with delphiniums.
SOIL: The World at Our Feet is open from 23rd January until 13th April 2025. You can book tickets and find our more about the exhibition here.
Image credits: Ge (Recipe), 2020 by Asad Raza © courtesy of artist. Portrait of Henrietta and Bridget by Claire Richardson.
