In my small urban London garden.
About
Meadowlark Journal is a website dedicated to inspiring urban gardeners with a modern approach to gardening. It was founded by Laura Azcarraga, an avid gardener in East London. Laura is a certified horticulturist that has studied with the Royal Horticultural Society and has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Level 2 Diploma.
Laura has also spent extensive time volunteering at gardens around London, including the Inner Temple Gardens (a 13th century historic garden), at Victoria Park (a 200 acre public park in East London), and at Edwardes Square Garden (a private gated garden in West London).
Inspired by the limitations of gardening in an urban environment, Laura has embraced new techniques for gardening and hopes to inspire others to do the same. Meadowlark Journal covers topics such as container gardening, sustainable gardening practices, and techniques for creating gardens that encourage biodiversity.
Meadowlark Journal aims to inspire and educate urban gardeners while also encouraging them to connect with nature and enjoy the many benefits of growing their own plants and vegetables.
Follow on Instagram @meadowlarkjournal
Q&A with Laura
How did you first get interested in gardening?
I found my back garden to be a sanctuary and a place of peace amidst the chaos during covid. Its tranquillity offered me a much-needed respite and rekindled a sense of purpose. This environment reignited my childhood passion for horticulture, inspired by my mother, compelling me to deepen my knowledge and enhance my skills. My mother is an incredible gardener and is a certified Master Gardener with the American Horticultural Society. My grandmother was also an incredible gardener with an extensive garden in her backyard. I grew up surrounded by a love of plants.
What made you decide to study for an RHS qualification?
Achieving the Royal Horticultural Society qualification stemmed from my desire to transform my passion for horticulture into a structured understanding of the field. It allowed me to dive deeper into the theory and practice of horticulture and contributed to my ability to innovate in urban gardening. The qualification equipped me with the knowledge to inspire and guide others through Meadowlark Journal.
What is Meadowlark Journal?
Meadowlark Journal is a platform to inspire and educate gardeners of all experience levels about modern and sustainable gardening practices. The platform covers a range of topics, including container gardening and encouraging biodiversity. The main goal is to help modern gardeners embrace the challenges and rewards of gardening in urban environments.
Where did the name Meadowlark Journal come from?
Meadowlark Journal was inspired by the meadowlark bird which is native to my hometown in Oregon. The meadowlark symbolises joy, openness, and keen observation. Meadowlark Journal is a platform that encourages joy and enthusiasm for gardening, openness to new ideas and techniques, and a keen observance of nature and its nuances.
Helping out at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show.
Planting bulbs at the historic Inner Temple Gardens in London.
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Partners
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