Alchemy for Artists and Gardeners

Somewhere between art and science lies the ancient practice of alchemy.

For over a millennium, alchemy caught the eye of those who could see there was more to this world. Using various techniques, alchemists experimented with natural materials to discover what they were made of and what they could become. This endeavour to understand nature evolved into the fields of science we know today.

In this workshop we will explore:

The origins of alchemy - Natural philosophy, protoscience and hermeticism

The basics of alchemy - Elements, processes and goals

The practice of alchemy in gardening, artistry and spirituality

We will not learn how to transmute base metals into gold.

But we will learn how to make free things priceless.

You will get to make your own moss sculpture as we explore how to grow art!

We will delve into the colourful world of plant dyes, the earth arts beneath our feet and regenerative power of charcoal.

You will leave with a garden alchemy starter kit filled with a selection of seeds, spores and assortments!

Come along and explore what you can create with nature!

Youth Offer

This workshop is available for teenagers who are accompanied by mum, dad, or an adult guardian who has also paid to attend the workshop.

About the Facilitator

AJ has a penchant for experimentation. He has been a gardener for 6 years, diligently learning how to become a better support species for the ecosystem. A budding permaculturist, he holds a permaculture design certificate and has worked at Northey Street City Farm for 3 years (Nursery, Compost Hub, Farming Team and Youth & Adult Education). AJ hasn’t had much formal horticultural or artistic training but his willingness to try and acceptance of mistakes has taught him many lessons that he would like to share in the hope that it will inspire others to give things a go.