Writer in Residence — Essex Gardens Trust

Siobhan Pierce

Siobhan Pierce is the Writer in Residence for Essex Gardens Trust and was runner up in our Beth Chatto writing competition and is a local writer, speaker and presenter from Chelmsford, Essex. She is an active member of the Wivenhoe Poetry Group, Pub scrawl in Braintree, and Writing Buddies in Chelmsford.

Siobhan is now retired from full time employment and wrote professionally for many years as a corporate bid writer for local government, housing and charitable organisations.

She now writes, presents and performs her writing and poetry professionally to local audiences focusing on her humorous life experience’s

Siobhan is a passionate gardener who enjoys growing her own fruit and veg. She particularly enjoys creative writing in the outdoor environment.

Since her appointment in March 2023 Siobhan has attended a number of Essex Gardens Trust Events, which she has thoroughly enjoyed and has been inspired to write poems about the event content. A sample of these poems are detailed below. Watch this space for future poems following other Essex Gardens Trust events!

Siobhan has helped facilitate a creative writing workshop at Beth Chatto Gardens. She also facilitated and a writing and art drop-in workshop at Gardeners World Live with EGT Artist in Residence Jane Frederick

2024 events include a ‘Sketch and Scribe’ day long writing and art workshop on 23rd May 2024 at Fete Café in central Chelmsford.

Further details on this event can be found on the EGT events section of the website.

April

April really just can’t make up its mind

One moment cruel and the next moment kind

Our plants are somewhat dazed and confused

Sometimes happy and sometimes with the blues

Showers, wind, sleet, hail and rain

Are all part of their growing pain

That makes them resilient, strong and true

Resulting in a stunning sight for me and you

May flowers and July veg will soon come around

Seeds and shoots flourishing in the ground

So for now April we will put up with your chaotic moods

In anticipation of summer beauty and delicious veg foods

Siobhan Pierce – April 2024

Spanish Gardens

With Spring not yet in full sight we need a sunshine fix

No holiday available despite out online clicks

So, who do we turn to in our hour of need

The gardener’s guru – oh yes indeed

Good old Monty Don takes us to Spanish gardens galore

We know his programme will not be a bore

He drives around Spain showing us garden delight

Cultivated, contemporary, county and coast – all a stunning sight

His reassuring tones soothe our rain-soaked frown

As we dry our clothes again after our trip to town

He gives us hope in his unique British way

Soothes us, cheers us on this bleak grey day

So inspirational ideas come to our despairing gardener’s brain

As we live in hope that one day it just won’t rain

Siobhan Pierce – March 2024

Elegant, Extravagant Edwardian Gardens

Escapism into elegant, extravagant Edwardian green space

Brings laughter and smiles onto the audience’s face

On this cold and dismal grey February day

Our talented speaker transports our troubles away

As she tells us stories and insights of gardens past

And we marvel at how their influence can last

Who’d of thought that royal racehorses winning bets

Paid for a Sandringham walled garden without any debts

And a carefully nurtured Japanese plot

Was not acclaimed by the Japanese lot

A new Italian garden was crafted by 1,000 men

Incessantly toiling creating an extravagant, stylish green den

We hear about intrepid plant explorers searching exotic lands

To bring back tall tree ferns to adorn our British sands

Swaying pansies, primroses, and other perfect plants

Cleverley captured by artists who show off their unique flower dance

This glimpse into Edwardian Garden treasures fills us with euphoric delight

Warming our souls as we journey into the emerging spring light

Siobhan Pierce - February 2024

February Gold

I know that you are there

So, stop pretending that you don’t care

Soon you will be here by my side

Showing all your glory and basking in my pride

I thought I’d lost you late last year

But should have known that you would re-appear

It’s been a long, cold and lonely time

But now I can glimpse you all will be fine

I can dream of blissful sunny spring days

When I admire your beauty and quirky ways

You are strong and silent with a sumptuous stance

And you will attract many an admiring glance

But for now, your tender green shoots promise good times ahead

As I dream of you in my cosy February bed

Siobhan Pierce - February 2024

January Garden Blues

The January Garden, bare, bleak, bold and grey

The incessant wind howls through it on this short day

Torrential rain soaks the sodden ground

And a sign of new growth is yet to be found

All of our plants have shut themselves down

In every village and in every town

Our cosy covers protect them from lethal frost

Ensuring that this year they don’t get lost

To the raw ravages of nature’s rage

We want them to bloom into a ripe old age

Our garden meanders are short not sweet

As the cold and wet penetrate our welly clad feet

But let us not get too maudlin about our winter garden view

As it’s not so long until there will be lots to do

Soon the snowdrops, crocuses and primroses will start to emerge

Slowly at first, and then with a surge

To bring us delight at the start of spring

We will once again listen to the garden birds sing

So, January Garden Blues it’s time to go away

As we eagerly anticipate that first glorious spring day

Siobhan Pierce - January 2024

The Weather Will be Fine

In the cold bleak January winter, we are all of a shiver

Even our dogs in their doggie coats shake and a quiver

Childrens cheeks are red and their hands are blue

And horrible toxic germs pass from me to you

The weather will soon be fine we optimistically state

Like a doomed politician awaiting their fate

But its OK

We are strong, we are British

The weather will be fine

March arrives with its ferocious gales

Cruises are cancelled, the ships can’t sail

Trees topple over right onto the ground

We can’t sleep at night due to that howling sound

But it’s OK

We are strong, we are British

The weather will be fine

May arrives and we are full of hope

Shorts and T shirts appear and we discard the coat

But we should never abandon our winter gear

As we shiver in the garden with a soggy beer

But it’s OK

We are strong, we are British

The weather will be fine

June and it is Wimbledon and Glastonbury season

We plan for good weather without rhyme or reason

But all we get is ‘rain stops play’

And a sea of mud where our sleeping bags lay

But it’s OK

We are strong, we are British

The weather will be fine

Its August now and holiday time

Surely, we will be lucky and the sun will shine

But we sit in our caravan looking at the rain

Playing yet another dull board game

But it’s OK

We are strong, we are British

The weather will be fine

Halloween is here and we are planning spooky tricks

On gullible neighbours to get our autumn kicks

But our pumpkins rot with the damp and the mist

So we have to switch an alternative list

Of other ghostly stuff for the kids to do

So they have to stay inside to shout boo

But it’s OK

We are strong, we are British

The weather will be fine

Christmas is coming and we are full of good cheer

It will be the best one ever on this special year

Seeing our long-lost family and friends

A time to heal and make amends

But a big storm blows and we are stuck at home

A house full of presents, but we won’t sigh and moan

But it’s OK

We are strong, we are British

The weather will be fine

Siobhan Pierce - December 2023

Autumnal Gardens

Tis the season for the glorious grasses

Swaying and rustling in the autumn wind

A bold silhouette against the wilting seedheads

Of our summer stars

Tis the season for the heathers and hellebores

Hardy and sturdy in the autumn frosts

Tis the season for the sumptuous succulent

Strong and pert in the autumn rains

Tis the season for the chattering children

Adorned in bright coats and wellies

Chasing autumn leaves and dreaming of ghosts

Tis the season of change

Colder, crispier, creepier

Tis the season for cuddly cosiness

In this peaceful privileged place

Siobhan Pierce October 2023

Autumn Colours

Every year they take us by stealthy surprise

The abundant array of autumn colours – a feast for our eyes

Surely this is Mother Nature at her very best

Her last treasured treat before the long winters rest

Blood red orange, mellow yellow and magnificent magenta to name but a few

Complimenting the misty mornings and the glittering dew

This plentiful pallet will soon have its last day

Our eyes starved of glorious delight until the month of May

Siobhan Pierce - October 2023

Gardeners World Live, Audley End Creative Garden Workshop Poetry

Pulling me in

Towards the light

Shimmering

Sweet, sickly scented wisteria

Humming

The smooth pink marble crown of flowers

Flora smiles

That gentle smile

She’s always there

She promises renewal

Always there

########

The love of my life

Italy

The character

The cypress trees

The winding streets

Such love

#######

Beauty of nature’s colour all around

Inside this white tent

I feel the surrounding creative energy

Its like I have been found

#########

Gardeners World Live

Busy, Busy, Busy

Beautiful abundant colours

Parading people

Deliciously cute dogs

A truly British delight

###########

Audley End House

Sumptuously Stately

With Glorious Grandeur

I stand proud

Observing you all

###########

Written by

Siobhan Pierce – Writer in Residence

Jane Fredricks – Artist in Residence

Workshop Participants

Haiku style short poetry, written in the creative garden workshop at the Gardeners World Live Event at Audley End in September 2023.

The Results Are In

At last the results are in

Some are high achievers

Some are disappointing

But still, we celebrate

As we have learnt so much

During the years ups and downs

Every year it changes

On who will reign supreme

My nurtured prodigies

Upon whom I have devoted my time

Shared my skills and knowledge

Knowing that they may not go on

To great things in their short life

But despite all the challenges

I am glowing with pride

My prodigies are admired by family and friends

As they enquire

Who has reigned supreme this year

But my lips are sealed

I will not reveal my best student

Until I have savoured

Their appetising taste

In a variety of dishes

As I don’t want to upset the others

Until I am completely sure

So I am now proud to announce

That this year it’s the luscious lettuce

For its beautiful shiny large green leaves

For its consistency – it just keeps giving me more

Even thou I cut it down

It arrives back more splendid than before

It is so versatile

Adorning summer sandwiches, salads and stir fry’s

And that’s why it’s my favourite

But next year it may change

That’s the delight of a new set of students

Eager, fresh and full of potential

Siobhan Pierce - August 2023

The Terraces of Canet de Mar (Spain)

High above the old town

Surrounded by sloping terracotta rooves

An ancient church with bellowing bell tower

A plethora of aerials, washing and mismatched pots

The stunning Spanish sea

Glimmering in the distance

The hardy Mediterranean plants stand

Bright, strong and true

This is their happy place

Here, right here, right now

Adoring the scorching sun

Lapping up the sea breeze

Yuccas, silhouetted against the bright sky

Aloe Vera’s showing off their pristine prickles

Weird and wonderful cacti

Display their shocking shapes

We have tried other plants

But they couldn’t stand the heat

So they got out of the kitchen

Begonias, Hydrangea’s and even Geraniums

Wilted and died a slow demise

Yearning for the English cloud

And so the Yuccas, Cacti and Aloe Vera

Have had the last luscious laugh

Right here right now

In their happy place

Siobhan Pierce - July 2023

How lucky are we?

I’m just back from a wonderful morning at the Beth Chatto's Plants and Garden. I attended the Poetry Workshop, the first event organised by Siobhan Pierce, our new EGT Writer-in-Residence. Beth’s garden was, as always, filled with delight, but with the added inspiration provided for us by poet Elelia Ferro, we found ourselves capturing in words what the garden said to us. For some of us it was feelings, some of us memories and some of us the stories the trees and the paths and the calm wanted to share with us. The very essence at the heart of the EGT.

I hope this will be the first of many events organised by Siobhan. Thank you. Look out for the really wonderful poems that were written today. I’m sure Siobhan will be sharing them with us soon.

Here are some words I wrote today. I am not a poet, as you can tell, but it was still a good experience to have a go!

On seeing a newly planted Betula utilis var. jacquemontii ‘Grayswood Ghost’ amongst the established trees.

Call yourself a tree?

Call yourself a tree?
Shut up. You were like that once.
Look at him. A stick.
Shut up. He’s smooth and colourful.
Not gnarly like you.

It’s my age.
It’s my charisma.
Why can’t you see?
I’m gnarly.
It’s me.

Linda Missing - June 2023

A Midsummers Garden Tribe

Walk, see listen, absorb and feel

Our midsummer glory garden

Think cascading thoughts

Feel the tranquillity

Observe the bountiful beauty

The twin tree with serene faces

A protective host of new wildlife

Perhaps proud parents

The faded nodding poppy

Her life far to short

Perhaps a departed friend

Swaying everlasting grasses

Is their secret in the sway

Perhaps a stoic elderly relative

The bold bright ‘eureka’ geranium

Perhaps that boisterous best friend

The strong and silent oak tree

Perhaps a tall broad partner

And then there are the listening glowing mix

Of abundant wonderous wildflowers

Those who dip in and out of our lives

Enriching, enhancing and embracing us

Stimulating sweet nostalgia

On this magnificent midsummer day

Siobhan Pierce - June 2023

Perfect Peacocks

Well, well, well, who’d of thought it

That a little piece of heaven could comfortably sit

Right near the A12 and east main rail line

Its called ‘Peacocks’ - a house and garden so gloriously fine

The secluded tree-line entrance takes your breath away

Especially on a stunning midsummers day

Our gardeners taste buds tingle with delight and joy

Like an excited child with a brand-new toy

An assortment of fabulous gardens lay in wait

So, lets get a move on, we don’t want to be late

For our charming host and our guided walk

His garden pride abundant with a mesmerising talk

A lake, waterfall and secret summer houses all to view

Victorian, Moroccan, and wildflower to name but a few

Magnificent plants and nurtured wildlife all happily thrive

And the spectacular trees make you glad to be alive

The two perfect peacocks stand proud on the mighty lawn

Watching over their empire from night until dawn

Our final treat is delicious tea and cake

We absorb the serenity on our peaceful break

But now its time to say our final goodbye

To perfect ‘Peacocks’ with a reluctant sigh

Siobhan Pierce - June 2023

Beth Chatto Poetry Workshop

This event was held in partnership with The Writers’ Company poetry tutor Elelia Ferro and co-hosted with Essex Gardens Trust Writer in Residence Siobhan Pierce. Elelia is an experienced poetry tutor and professional poet, currently in the final year of her PhD, and specializes in inspiring outdoor writing.

Set in the sustainably stunning Beth Chatto gardens, this event was designed to encourage both budding and experienced writers. They were able to enjoy the beautiful gardens whilst reading and discussing some famous garden poetry - from the great works, to the contemporary, before doing some poetry writing their your own!

The Lost Trees of Mersea Island

Teetering terribly on the cliff edge

Bare gnarled roots exposed

Bent painfully almost double in the biting wind

They glare furiously at the crashing waves

Who will ultimately case their demise

The tiny cluster of trees hang bravely on

Feistily fighting until the very last second

Their leaves weeping at every angry gust

But finally, it’s their time

The very last stubborn root

Wrenched and ripped from their home ground

As they soar spectacularly into the sea

Badly broken branches

Sadly swept away

Perhaps to faraway lands

Or to simply stagnate in the oceans bed

Our human hearts grieve

For the lost trees of Mersea Island

Siobhan Pierce – June 2023

The Rebellious Nightingales of Fingeringhoe

We can spot them a mile off

Right weirdos is what we call them

They wander around in polite groups

Sensible shoes, backpacks and pleasant chattering

Stopping and starting, heads on one side

Trying to catch a glimpse of us

But most importantly trying to hear us

There are hordes of them here in spring

I mean haven’t they got anything better to do

Than listen to our chatty banter

I mean we are just doing our thing

A bit of showing off and shouty stuff

We are just trying it impress the lovely ladies

But warning those other blokes to stay away

Go back to their own territory

Don’t invade mine

I mean I know we can get a bit loud and shouty

But the weirdos think it sounds beautiful

Soulful, soothing, sublime

Melodic, magical, musical

Apparently its good for their mindfulness

Whatever the hell that means

Well, it aint good for ours

I mean we like to do our stuff in private

Have a bit of a chat

Strut our stuff

In our woodland sanctuary

With our mates

Turtledoves, chaffinch’s, cuckoos and blackbirds

They are all alright – cool

I mean surely if the weirdos want to listen and watch us

They should listen and watch their own kind

Apparently there are some right characters in weirdo land

Who do their own thing

A bit of showing off, loud shouty stuff

Trying to impress their ladies

I think its called ‘The House of Commons’

So weirdos, go home and listen and watch your own kind

Because we aint singing for you today

Siobhan Pierce - May 2023

Hoorah for Hyde Hall (Following visit in May 2023)

You have saved us from many a melt down

Soothed us, calmed us and removed our furrowed frown

We willingly wallow in your beauty and grace

As you never fail to put a smile on our face

Hoorah for Hyde Hall

Come rain snow, wind or shine you always delight

As around every corner there is yet another stunning sight

Frolicking flowers vibrant veg, and tantalising trees are all here to see

With joy and wonder, we are filled with glorious glee

Hoorah for Hyde Hall

When the world stopped for a while you still carried on

In your unique with style and aplomb

Hoorah for Hyde Hall

Our energetic toddlers enjoy the fresh outdoor play

A parent’s welcome reprieve on a dull cloudy day

A more mature gentle stroll around you soothes our soul

Saving us from descending into a wintery black hole

Hoorah for Hyde Hall

You see, you put the world to rights and us in our place

Nourish us, nurture us ready for our return to our base

Open 364 days – always a great place for tea, cake and chat

We admire your boundless beauty whilst we are sat

So a final Hoorah for Hyde Hall on this sumptuous May day

We sadly wave goodbye to your stunning display

Thoughts of a Menton Garden (Following EGT Menton Gardens lecture event in March)

There are many of us gardens here in Menton, the South of France

You see this magical climate suits us all year round

We became very trendy in the 1800’s

Frequented by the chic, cultured, clever creatives and celebrities

Who made us into the glorious iconic gardens of today

Our identities represent a hybrid of cultures and nationalities

Our sizes range from tantalizingly tiny to lusciously large

Locals and foreigners from far away lands

Toiled in the baking sun to create our glory

Importing idealistic, essentially English, Italian, Spanish and Arabic styles

Beautifully botanical, flamboyantly exotic, stylishly superb and sometimes a jumbled jungle

All types are here

Nestled, beautiful and bold between the sea

I am reawakened one of the oldest and wisest of the gardens

So the others are like my very own children

Nurtured, loved and cherished

But some of their human owners are strange

Tormented and talented

Eccentric and inspirational

Militant and muddles

Ironic and delightfully bonkers

The garden children have inherited these human traits

I know you shouldn’t’t have favorites

But I have mine

Not the grand Villa Hanbury

Not the beautiful botanical Val Rahmah

Not the perfumed, fountained Clas de Peyronet

But the hidden gem of the Fontana Rosa

Squeezed into the urban skyline

A sparkling Spanish jewel

Embracing Arabian adventures

And a touch of Dickens thrown in

But don’t tell the others

As jaded jealously will prevail

But come and see for yourself

Walk, wander and wonder and immerse your soul

In our magnificent beauty

And my children will warmly and willingly welcome you

Secluded School Secret (Following the EGT event at New Hall School in February)

Swathed in magnificent splendor

A hidden gem

Amongst the chaos of construction

Is this architectural, classical beauty really here

In the heart of the county town of Essex

We meander to an ornate chapel

Which rivals those in far away lands

Intricate gold leaf adorns its roof

Bringing wonderment to the gaze of the congregation

Gardens immaculately adorned

A convoluted fir tree stubbornly attaching itself to an ancient wall

This place steeped in history

Henry 8 th , Catherine of Aragon, World War 2 survival and hardworking nuns

All have their secrets and stories

We envy those young people studying here

The atmospheric joy that must surely immerse their daily being

We greedy garden lovers want to see, feel, and absorb much more

The grounds embracing the subtlety of spring

The scorching splendor of the summer garden

And the glorious ambience of autumn

But ssh… its our splendid secret

For just us

For just now

For just until we return