Nic Wilson (Curator Of The Peat Free Nurseries List) On Why Spring Is Her Favourite Time
Contributions From NIC WILSON
Nic Wilson is a Garden Writer best known for her work at BBC Gardeners' World Magazine and for her position at The Guardian’s Country Diarist. She is currently writing her memoir and is awaiting the publication of her anthology in the Moving Mountains journal. Nic was shortlisted for the Beth Chatto Environment Award in 2019 and the Spread the Word 2021 Life Writing Prize Longlist.
Nic Wilson is best known for her work as a Garden & Nature Writer.
She writes for The Guardian’s Country Diary, has previously written features for the RHS and is currently in the process of writing a memoir on nature and its relationship with her chronic illness.
Nic is also the Curator of the UK Peat Free Nurseries List – a resource accessed thousands of times by British readers looking for environmentally-conscious retailers.
I was lucky enough to talk through her experiences in the horticultural industry and her favourite time to be in the garden.
How Did You First Get Into Gardening?
“I’ve loved mooching around in gardens since I was a kid, playing with mud and sticks in the veg beds,” shares Nic.
“I had my own little area to plant up and enjoyed being outside in all weathers.
“I remember picking raspberries in the wild patch and learning to mow the lawn with my Dad’s exceedingly bad-tempered petrol mower.”
From This, What Led You To A Career In Horticulture & Garden Writing?
“I came at it via a very roundabout route,” she explains. “After studying English Literature at Durham University, I taught in a secondary school and sixth form college for over a decade.
“When my first child was born, I left teaching and retrained in horticulture and garden design. I volunteered for several years in a local community garden and worked as a garden designer.
“When I wasn’t busy with the kids, I’d be out gardening. I used to put them to bed and then plant bulbs in the dark with my head torch on!
“I started a gardening blog in 2016 and loved getting back into writing again. It all spiralled from there after I won a writing competition with BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine.
“I’ve written and edited for the magazine and I currently work on the website. It’s been a fabulous opportunity and I feel lucky to be able to work on projects that really excite me. I also write about my local area and its wildlife for The Guardian country diary.
“I split my time between garden and nature writing, although they are often one and the same. I also still do some literary research too. I feel very lucky to be able to combine my two main interests in my work – nature and language.”
What Does A Day In Your Working Life Typically Look Like?
“I have two kids (and three chickens), so I’m often busy with jobs in the house during the working day. I also live with chronic illness, which means at times I have to work from bed or take time to recover.
“I’m lucky that, as a Freelance Writer and Editor, I can work quite flexibly around other commitments and my health.
“Generally, I spend a couple of hours on my garden writing and editing in the mornings and then often go for a walk and concentrate on nature writing in the afternoons.
“Some days I might be involved in reviewing books, volunteering with a local wildlife community group, giving talks, mentoring or running workshops. I also love to read, especially non-fiction, whenever I get the chance.”
What Is Your Favourite Time Of Year To Be In The Garden?
“Spring, without a doubt,” Nic muses. “I love to feel the garden waking from its winter slumbers.
“Often, it’s those little exciting details beneath your feet as primroses, daffodils and snake’s head fritillaries start to appear.
“Also, there’s nothing quite like hearing the first blackcap of the year or watching birds collecting nest material around the garden.”
Do You Have Any Future Projects Coming Up?
“My most recent narrative non-fiction is due to be published in October in Moving Mountains, described as a first-of-its-kind anthology of nature writing by disabled and chronically ill writers,” she shares.
“My piece is about the way my quince tree helped me to feel in touch with the seasons when I was particularly ill a couple of years ago.
“I’ve also been really busy writing a memoir on nature, place and chronic illness. I’m finding it a creatively exciting and personally challenging journey. It has taught me so much – mostly about myself.”
What Advice Would You Give To Fledgling Garden Writers?
“Find topics that enthuse you and engage your curiosity,” says Nic.
“If you are excited by the process of writing, your passion will come over to your readers.”
