There are certain rites of passage that take place after a major break-up. For some, it’s a hair-cut or a big solo trip, or a regrettable rebound with someone the polar opposite of your ex. My guest this week, Alice Vincent, departed from the cliches: for her, it was growing plants. In her partly autobiographical books, Rootbound and more recently Why Women Grow, Alice chronicles how she came to growing plants as a way to heal and regain a sense of control after a break-up in her late twenties. As her life has changed – Alice is now married with her first child – gardening has remained a constant for her. In this episode, we discuss how Alice has navigated the changes of the past seven years, how gardening has allowed her to maintain a version of independence throughout it, and why she never feels lonely while out in the garden. Later, Alice also shares her tips for beginning your gardening journey by yourself, whether it’s just growing herbs on a windowsill, using a balcony space or joining a community garden.
Takeaways
00:00
Introduction
04:34
Transition to Writing
06:27
Exploring Alonement
07:43
Defining Alone
09:38
Aloneness in Different Life Stages
10:35
The Luxury of Alone Time
13:04
Navigating Alone Time
14:28
Themes in Rootbound and Why Women Grow
15:21
Finding Solace in Gardening
19:46
Creating Space for Oneself
20:46
Gardening as a Solitary Activity
24:41
The Meditative Nature of Gardening
27:03
Living with a Partner and Maintaining Independence
30:16
The Ambivalence of Sharing Space
34:32
Choosing Relationships on One's Own Terms
38:52
Creating Personal Space
43:37
Tips for Starting a Growing Journey
47:21
Taking Time Alone
50:07
Ultimate Alone Time