Artists
inspired by Eden Nature Garden
Rebecca Hollweg
is a singer-songwriter who lives in SW London. She has been a supporter of Eden Nature Garden for many years and wrote a song about it which you can hear a clip of here.
For more information about Rebecca visit www.rebeccahollweg.com
Mick Bond
has been living in Clapham for many years and he started to revisit the Garden on an almost daily basis throughout the lockdown period as part of his midday stroll. Mick has been taking photographs there, making cyanotype prints, ink monoprints and drawings. Mick says, “Eden Nature Garden is an inspirational quiet corner of Clapham and long may it thrive.”
Anne Whitehouse
has lived in Clapham most of her life and has never wanted to move away. She is an amateur photographer whose main job is working for the NHS. In the past she’s focused on travel photos but during the pandemic she has become fascinated with nature and wildlife closer to home. In early 2021 she discovered the frogs at the Eden Nature Garden and has enjoyed capturing their life cycle.
Ana Jenkin
is a local author and illustrator who is passionate about nature. Early morning visits to the Garden regularly inspire her to write poems like this one here. “I love popping into Eden on my own, as that is when my imagination can run free and my senses soak up more of its beauty,” says Ana. “Too many parks and commons are over-sanitised and devoid of insect and other life. We need more buzzing, croaking, scented corners such as Eden Nature Garden. They are crucial to our happiness, wellbeing, education and, ultimately, survival.”
Letter from a leaf-cutter
Ah Benny dear,
What joy this year
To have such safe, cosy nests
For our broods truly the best
And since we bid farewell to life
So young – a few months only
Are bestowed on us
We wish now to thank you
First-wing and -hand
Because while you cannot ban
Insecticides, pesticides, herbicides
Plastic grass in gardens
Tarmac across driveways
We are ever so glad
Of our thoughtfully angled nurseries
Which we will fill with leaves, stones, sand
A bee bread of pollen and nectar
For our young
Each cell holds but one
Up to 40 we can manage
Before our small bodies give up
Therefore we ask for not much
Just what you offer us
That is enough
To keep Planet safe for everyone
Life as it was meant to Bee
*Copyright Ana Jenkin, March 2025
Local Artist Groups
These images are from local artist groups who often visit the garden to draw and paint.
