Siobhan Pierce
Siobhan Pierce is the Writer in Residence for Essex Gardens Trust and was runner up in our Beth Chatto writing competition and is a local writer, speaker and presenter from Chelmsford, Essex. She is an active member of the Wivenhoe Poetry Group, Pub scrawl in Braintree, and Writing Buddies in Chelmsford.
Siobhan is now retired from full time employment and wrote professionally for many years as a corporate bid writer for local government, housing and charitable organisations.
She now writes, presents and performs her writing and poetry professionally to local audiences focusing on her humorous life experience’s
Siobhan is a passionate gardener who enjoys growing her own fruit and veg. She particularly enjoys creative writing in the outdoor environment.
Since her appointment in March 2023 Siobhan has attended a number of Essex Gardens Trust Events, which she has thoroughly enjoyed and has been inspired to write poems about the event content. A sample of these poems are detailed below. Watch this space for future poems following other Essex Gardens Trust events!
Siobhan has helped facilitate a creative writing workshop at Beth Chatto Gardens. She also facilitated and a writing and art drop-in workshop at Gardeners World Live with EGT Artist in Residence Jane Frederick
2024 events include a ‘Sketch and Scribe’ day long writing and art workshop on 23rd May 2024 at Fete Café in central Chelmsford.
Further details on this event can be found on the EGT events section of the website.
Whoopee at last its finally May
So, time to venture outside and play
With our new plants basking in the sunshine’s ray
But make the most of this early summer day
As soon it will be the start of the summer hay
Ensuring that are allergies are on their way
Creating sneezing chaos, that we can’t keep at bay
Siobhan Pierce - May 2024
April
April really just can’t make up its mind
One moment cruel and the next moment kind
Our plants are somewhat dazed and confused
Sometimes happy and sometimes with the blues
Showers, wind, sleet, hail and rain
Are all part of their growing pain
That makes them resilient, strong and true
Resulting in a stunning sight for me and you
May flowers and July veg will soon come around
Seeds and shoots flourishing in the ground
So for now April we will put up with your chaotic moods
In anticipation of summer beauty and delicious veg foods
Siobhan Pierce – April 2024
Spanish Gardens
With Spring not yet in full sight we need a sunshine fix
No holiday available despite out online clicks
So, who do we turn to in our hour of need
The gardener’s guru – oh yes indeed
Good old Monty Don takes us to Spanish gardens galore
We know his programme will not be a bore
He drives around Spain showing us garden delight
Cultivated, contemporary, county and coast – all a stunning sight
His reassuring tones soothe our rain-soaked frown
As we dry our clothes again after our trip to town
He gives us hope in his unique British way
Soothes us, cheers us on this bleak grey day
So inspirational ideas come to our despairing gardener’s brain
As we live in hope that one day it just won’t rain
Siobhan Pierce – March 2024
Elegant, Extravagant Edwardian Gardens
Escapism into elegant, extravagant Edwardian green space
Brings laughter and smiles onto the audience’s face
On this cold and dismal grey February day
Our talented speaker transports our troubles away
As she tells us stories and insights of gardens past
And we marvel at how their influence can last
Who’d of thought that royal racehorses winning bets
Paid for a Sandringham walled garden without any debts
And a carefully nurtured Japanese plot
Was not acclaimed by the Japanese lot
A new Italian garden was crafted by 1,000 men
Incessantly toiling creating an extravagant, stylish green den
We hear about intrepid plant explorers searching exotic lands
To bring back tall tree ferns to adorn our British sands
Swaying pansies, primroses, and other perfect plants
Cleverley captured by artists who show off their unique flower dance
This glimpse into Edwardian Garden treasures fills us with euphoric delight
Warming our souls as we journey into the emerging spring light
Siobhan Pierce - February 2024
February Gold
I know that you are there
So, stop pretending that you don’t care
Soon you will be here by my side
Showing all your glory and basking in my pride
I thought I’d lost you late last year
But should have known that you would re-appear
It’s been a long, cold and lonely time
But now I can glimpse you all will be fine
I can dream of blissful sunny spring days
When I admire your beauty and quirky ways
You are strong and silent with a sumptuous stance
And you will attract many an admiring glance
But for now, your tender green shoots promise good times ahead
As I dream of you in my cosy February bed
Siobhan Pierce - February 2024
January Garden Blues
The January Garden, bare, bleak, bold and grey
The incessant wind howls through it on this short day
Torrential rain soaks the sodden ground
And a sign of new growth is yet to be found
All of our plants have shut themselves down
In every village and in every town
Our cosy covers protect them from lethal frost
Ensuring that this year they don’t get lost
To the raw ravages of nature’s rage
We want them to bloom into a ripe old age
Our garden meanders are short not sweet
As the cold and wet penetrate our welly clad feet
But let us not get too maudlin about our winter garden view
As it’s not so long until there will be lots to do
Soon the snowdrops, crocuses and primroses will start to emerge
Slowly at first, and then with a surge
To bring us delight at the start of spring
We will once again listen to the garden birds sing
So, January Garden Blues it’s time to go away
As we eagerly anticipate that first glorious spring day
Siobhan Pierce - January 2024
The Weather Will be Fine
In the cold bleak January winter, we are all of a shiver
Even our dogs in their doggie coats shake and a quiver
Childrens cheeks are red and their hands are blue
And horrible toxic germs pass from me to you
The weather will soon be fine we optimistically state
Like a doomed politician awaiting their fate
But its OK
We are strong, we are British
The weather will be fine
The weather will be fine
March arrives with its ferocious gales
Cruises are cancelled, the ships can’t sail
Trees topple over right onto the ground
We can’t sleep at night due to that howling sound
But it’s OK
We are strong, we are British
The weather will be fine
The weather will be fine
May arrives and we are full of hope
Shorts and T shirts appear and we discard the coat
But we should never abandon our winter gear
As we shiver in the garden with a soggy beer
But it’s OK
We are strong, we are British
The weather will be fine
The weather will be fine
June and it is Wimbledon and Glastonbury season
We plan for good weather without rhyme or reason
But all we get is ‘rain stops play’
And a sea of mud where our sleeping bags lay
But it’s OK
We are strong, we are British
The weather will be fine
The weather will be fine
Its August now and holiday time
Surely, we will be lucky and the sun will shine
But we sit in our caravan looking at the rain
Playing yet another dull board game
But it’s OK
We are strong, we are British
The weather will be fine
The weather will be fine
Halloween is here and we are planning spooky tricks
On gullible neighbours to get our autumn kicks
But our pumpkins rot with the damp and the mist
So we have to switch an alternative list
Of other ghostly stuff for the kids to do
So they have to stay inside to shout boo
But it’s OK
We are strong, we are British
The weather will be fine
The weather will be fine
Christmas is coming and we are full of good cheer
It will be the best one ever on this special year
Seeing our long-lost family and friends
A time to heal and make amends
But a big storm blows and we are stuck at home
A house full of presents, but we won’t sigh and moan
But it’s OK
We are strong, we are British
The weather will be fine
The weather will be fine
Siobhan Pierce - December 2023
Autumnal Gardens
Tis the season for the glorious grasses
Swaying and rustling in the autumn wind
A bold silhouette against the wilting seedheads
Of our summer stars
Tis the season for the heathers and hellebores
Hardy and sturdy in the autumn frosts
Tis the season for the sumptuous succulent
Strong and pert in the autumn rains
Tis the season for the chattering children
Adorned in bright coats and wellies
Chasing autumn leaves and dreaming of ghosts
Tis the season of change
Colder, crispier, creepier
Tis the season for cuddly cosiness
In this peaceful privileged place
Siobhan Pierce October 2023
Autumn Colours
Every year they take us by stealthy surprise
The abundant array of autumn colours – a feast for our eyes
Surely this is Mother Nature at her very best
Her last treasured treat before the long winters rest
Blood red orange, mellow yellow and magnificent magenta to name but a few
Complimenting the misty mornings and the glittering dew
This plentiful pallet will soon have its last day
Our eyes starved of glorious delight until the month of May
Siobhan Pierce - October 2023
Gardeners World Live, Audley End Creative Garden Workshop Poetry
Pulling me in
Towards the light
Shimmering
Sweet, sickly scented wisteria
Humming
The smooth pink marble crown of flowers
Flora smiles
That gentle smile
She’s always there
She promises renewal
Always there
########
The love of my life
Italy
The character
The cypress trees
The winding streets
Such love
#######
Beauty of nature’s colour all around
Inside this white tent
I feel the surrounding creative energy
Its like I have been found
#########
Gardeners World Live
Busy, Busy, Busy
Beautiful abundant colours
Parading people
Deliciously cute dogs
A truly British delight
###########
Audley End House
Sumptuously Stately
With Glorious Grandeur
I stand proud
Observing you all
###########
Written by
Siobhan Pierce – Writer in Residence
Jane Fredricks – Artist in Residence
Workshop Participants
Haiku style short poetry, written in the creative garden workshop at the Gardeners World Live Event at Audley End in September 2023.
The Results Are In
At last the results are in
Some are high achievers
Some are disappointing
But still, we celebrate
As we have learnt so much
During the years ups and downs
Every year it changes
On who will reign supreme
My nurtured prodigies
Upon whom I have devoted my time
Shared my skills and knowledge
Knowing that they may not go on
To great things in their short life
But despite all the challenges
I am glowing with pride
My prodigies are admired by family and friends
As they enquire
Who has reigned supreme this year
But my lips are sealed
I will not reveal my best student
Until I have savoured
Their appetising taste
In a variety of dishes
As I don’t want to upset the others
Until I am completely sure
So I am now proud to announce
That this year it’s the luscious lettuce
For its beautiful shiny large green leaves
For its consistency – it just keeps giving me more
Even thou I cut it down
It arrives back more splendid than before
It is so versatile
Adorning summer sandwiches, salads and stir fry’s
And that’s why it’s my favourite
But next year it may change
That’s the delight of a new set of students
Eager, fresh and full of potential
Siobhan Pierce - August 2023
The Terraces of Canet de Mar (Spain)
High above the old town
Surrounded by sloping terracotta rooves
An ancient church with bellowing bell tower
A plethora of aerials, washing and mismatched pots
The stunning Spanish sea
Glimmering in the distance
The hardy Mediterranean plants stand
Bright, strong and true
This is their happy place
Here, right here, right now
Adoring the scorching sun
Lapping up the sea breeze
Yuccas, silhouetted against the bright sky
Aloe Vera’s showing off their pristine prickles
Weird and wonderful cacti
Display their shocking shapes
We have tried other plants
But they couldn’t stand the heat
So they got out of the kitchen
Begonias, Hydrangea’s and even Geraniums
Wilted and died a slow demise
Yearning for the English cloud
And so the Yuccas, Cacti and Aloe Vera
Have had the last luscious laugh
Right here right now
In their happy place
Siobhan Pierce - July 2023
How lucky are we?
I’m just back from a wonderful morning at the Beth Chatto's Plants and Garden. I attended the Poetry Workshop, the first event organised by Siobhan Pierce, our new EGT Writer-in-Residence. Beth’s garden was, as always, filled with delight, but with the added inspiration provided for us by poet Elelia Ferro, we found ourselves capturing in words what the garden said to us. For some of us it was feelings, some of us memories and some of us the stories the trees and the paths and the calm wanted to share with us. The very essence at the heart of the EGT.
I hope this will be the first of many events organised by Siobhan. Thank you. Look out for the really wonderful poems that were written today. I’m sure Siobhan will be sharing them with us soon.
Here are some words I wrote today. I am not a poet, as you can tell, but it was still a good experience to have a go!
On seeing a newly planted Betula utilis var. jacquemontii ‘Grayswood Ghost’ amongst the established trees.
Call yourself a tree?
Call yourself a tree?
Shut up. You were like that once.
Look at him. A stick.
Shut up. He’s smooth and colourful.
Not gnarly like you.
It’s my age.
It’s my charisma.
Why can’t you see?
I’m gnarly.
It’s me.
Linda Missing - June 2023
A Midsummers Garden Tribe
Walk, see listen, absorb and feel
Our midsummer glory garden
Think cascading thoughts
Feel the tranquillity
Observe the bountiful beauty
The twin tree with serene faces
A protective host of new wildlife
Perhaps proud parents
The faded nodding poppy
Her life far to short
Perhaps a departed friend
Swaying everlasting grasses
Is their secret in the sway
Perhaps a stoic elderly relative
The bold bright ‘eureka’ geranium
Perhaps that boisterous best friend
The strong and silent oak tree
Perhaps a tall broad partner
And then there are the listening glowing mix
Of abundant wonderous wildflowers
Those who dip in and out of our lives
Enriching, enhancing and embracing us
Stimulating sweet nostalgia
On this magnificent midsummer day
Siobhan Pierce - June 2023
Perfect Peacocks
Well, well, well, who’d of thought it
That a little piece of heaven could comfortably sit
Right near the A12 and east main rail line
Its called ‘Peacocks’ - a house and garden so gloriously fine
The secluded tree-line entrance takes your breath away
Especially on a stunning midsummers day
Our gardeners taste buds tingle with delight and joy
Like an excited child with a brand-new toy
An assortment of fabulous gardens lay in wait
So, lets get a move on, we don’t want to be late
For our charming host and our guided walk
His garden pride abundant with a mesmerising talk
A lake, waterfall and secret summer houses all to view
Victorian, Moroccan, and wildflower to name but a few
Magnificent plants and nurtured wildlife all happily thrive
And the spectacular trees make you glad to be alive
The two perfect peacocks stand proud on the mighty lawn
Watching over their empire from night until dawn
Our final treat is delicious tea and cake
We absorb the serenity on our peaceful break
But now its time to say our final goodbye
To perfect ‘Peacocks’ with a reluctant sigh
Siobhan Pierce - June 2023
Beth Chatto Poetry Workshop
This event was held in partnership with The Writers’ Company poetry tutor Elelia Ferro and co-hosted with Essex Gardens Trust Writer in Residence Siobhan Pierce. Elelia is an experienced poetry tutor and professional poet, currently in the final year of her PhD, and specializes in inspiring outdoor writing.
Set in the sustainably stunning Beth Chatto gardens, this event was designed to encourage both budding and experienced writers. They were able to enjoy the beautiful gardens whilst reading and discussing some famous garden poetry - from the great works, to the contemporary, before doing some poetry writing their your own!
The Lost Trees of Mersea Island
Teetering terribly on the cliff edge
Bare gnarled roots exposed
Bent painfully almost double in the biting wind
They glare furiously at the crashing waves
Who will ultimately case their demise
The tiny cluster of trees hang bravely on
Feistily fighting until the very last second
Their leaves weeping at every angry gust
But finally, it’s their time
The very last stubborn root
Wrenched and ripped from their home ground
As they soar spectacularly into the sea
Badly broken branches
Sadly swept away
Perhaps to faraway lands
Or to simply stagnate in the oceans bed
Our human hearts grieve
For the lost trees of Mersea Island
Siobhan Pierce – June 2023
The Rebellious Nightingales of Fingeringhoe
We can spot them a mile off
Right weirdos is what we call them
They wander around in polite groups
Sensible shoes, backpacks and pleasant chattering
Stopping and starting, heads on one side
Trying to catch a glimpse of us
But most importantly trying to hear us
There are hordes of them here in spring
I mean haven’t they got anything better to do
Than listen to our chatty banter
I mean we are just doing our thing
A bit of showing off and shouty stuff
We are just trying it impress the lovely ladies
But warning those other blokes to stay away
Go back to their own territory
Don’t invade mine
I mean I know we can get a bit loud and shouty
But the weirdos think it sounds beautiful
Soulful, soothing, sublime
Melodic, magical, musical
Apparently its good for their mindfulness
Whatever the hell that means
Well, it aint good for ours
I mean we like to do our stuff in private
Have a bit of a chat
Strut our stuff
In our woodland sanctuary
With our mates
Turtledoves, chaffinch’s, cuckoos and blackbirds
They are all alright – cool
I mean surely if the weirdos want to listen and watch us
They should listen and watch their own kind
Apparently there are some right characters in weirdo land
Who do their own thing
A bit of showing off, loud shouty stuff
Trying to impress their ladies
I think its called ‘The House of Commons’
So weirdos, go home and listen and watch your own kind
Because we aint singing for you today
Siobhan Pierce - May 2023
Hoorah for Hyde Hall (Following visit in May 2023)
You have saved us from many a melt down
Soothed us, calmed us and removed our furrowed frown
We willingly wallow in your beauty and grace
As you never fail to put a smile on our face
Hoorah for Hyde Hall
Come rain snow, wind or shine you always delight
As around every corner there is yet another stunning sight
Frolicking flowers vibrant veg, and tantalising trees are all here to see
With joy and wonder, we are filled with glorious glee
Hoorah for Hyde Hall
When the world stopped for a while you still carried on
In your unique with style and aplomb
Hoorah for Hyde Hall
Our energetic toddlers enjoy the fresh outdoor play
A parent’s welcome reprieve on a dull cloudy day
A more mature gentle stroll around you soothes our soul
Saving us from descending into a wintery black hole
Hoorah for Hyde Hall
You see, you put the world to rights and us in our place
Nourish us, nurture us ready for our return to our base
Open 364 days – always a great place for tea, cake and chat
We admire your boundless beauty whilst we are sat
So a final Hoorah for Hyde Hall on this sumptuous May day
We sadly wave goodbye to your stunning display
Thoughts of a Menton Garden (Following EGT Menton Gardens lecture event in March)
There are many of us gardens here in Menton, the South of France
You see this magical climate suits us all year round
We became very trendy in the 1800’s
Frequented by the chic, cultured, clever creatives and celebrities
Who made us into the glorious iconic gardens of today
Our identities represent a hybrid of cultures and nationalities
Our sizes range from tantalizingly tiny to lusciously large
Locals and foreigners from far away lands
Toiled in the baking sun to create our glory
Importing idealistic, essentially English, Italian, Spanish and Arabic styles
Beautifully botanical, flamboyantly exotic, stylishly superb and sometimes a jumbled jungle
All types are here
Nestled, beautiful and bold between the sea
I am reawakened one of the oldest and wisest of the gardens
So the others are like my very own children
Nurtured, loved and cherished
But some of their human owners are strange
Tormented and talented
Eccentric and inspirational
Militant and muddles
Ironic and delightfully bonkers
The garden children have inherited these human traits
I know you shouldn’t’t have favorites
But I have mine
Not the grand Villa Hanbury
Not the beautiful botanical Val Rahmah
Not the perfumed, fountained Clas de Peyronet
But the hidden gem of the Fontana Rosa
Squeezed into the urban skyline
A sparkling Spanish jewel
Embracing Arabian adventures
And a touch of Dickens thrown in
But don’t tell the others
As jaded jealously will prevail
But come and see for yourself
Walk, wander and wonder and immerse your soul
In our magnificent beauty
And my children will warmly and willingly welcome you
Secluded School Secret (Following the EGT event at New Hall School in February)
Swathed in magnificent splendor
A hidden gem
Amongst the chaos of construction
Is this architectural, classical beauty really here
In the heart of the county town of Essex
We meander to an ornate chapel
Which rivals those in far away lands
Intricate gold leaf adorns its roof
Bringing wonderment to the gaze of the congregation
Gardens immaculately adorned
A convoluted fir tree stubbornly attaching itself to an ancient wall
This place steeped in history
Henry 8 th , Catherine of Aragon, World War 2 survival and hardworking nuns
All have their secrets and stories
We envy those young people studying here
The atmospheric joy that must surely immerse their daily being
We greedy garden lovers want to see, feel, and absorb much more
The grounds embracing the subtlety of spring
The scorching splendor of the summer garden
And the glorious ambience of autumn
But ssh… its our splendid secret
For just us
For just now
For just until we return
