Sowing Seeds and Weaving Rushes
Last week I met lots of new (and some familiar) faces in an alleyway in Ballyhackamore as part of 9ftincommon.com - an exciting city-wide project investigating the creative potential of alleyways, stretching across Belfast.
We were there to plant a seed (literally and metaphorically), to make a Brigid’s Cross (from the rushes we’d brought in from the farm) and to start to make connections. And my goodness, what a fab way to do it!
Imbolc (1st February) is all about welcoming in the spring and starting to sow seeds. But don’t worry - there is no big rush - most vegetables would prefer to be sown later. However, Imbolc is definitely THE time for making a Brigid’s cross to hang above your door, and bring yourself good luck and fertility for the year ahead.
As well as making crosses we sowed sweet pea seeds. It’s not too late to sow them now if you’re keen to have your garden, yard or alleyway full of their fragrant blooms this summer. You can sow them in pots or module trays. Some people are very fond of growing them in root trainers (special module trays that direct the rootlets to avoid getting rootbound and encourage healthy bushy roots) and some people like to grow them in toilet rolls (the cardboard tube, not the whole thing) for a handy, biodegradable option. Just plant out the seedling still in the toilet roll when established. The card will rot away as the seedling gets established in its new location. Minimum root disturbance and minimal fuss!
It was such a lovely afternoon, sowing and meeting so many friendly people. Perhaps it’s the shape and scale of an alley that encourages meaningful connection - or maybe it’s the act of all learning and doing and teaching a simple craft together. I don’t know but it was a fab afternoon. The first of many gathering in alleys I’ll have the pleasure of attending this year!
Do you and your neighbours have an alleyway? Are you interested in exploring its potential for growing your own food? If so, why not apply to take part here! The closing date is this Friday 9th February so don’t hang around!
