Last week, I stepped away from the daily rhythm of work and solo parenting to immerse myself in something that felt utterly essential—Lean Timms’ photography workshop at Babbington Park. The moment I saw it listed, I knew I had to make it happen. Some opportunities feel like a whisper from the universe, a reminder to prioritise the things that fill my cup, and this was one of them.
I’d never visited Babbington Park before, despite knowing of its rolling hills, productive gardens, and the deep care Annie Smithers and Susan Thompson pour into the land. It was on my bucket list. Being in the throws of writing my first book, which has so many synergies with this place and its raison d’etre, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. A moment to breathe in beauty, to be surrounded by people who share a reverence for capturing the fleeting magic of light, landscape, and connection.
Lean Timms is one special human. If you’ve ever crossed paths with her, then you ‘know’, and a visual storyteller in the truest sense. Her photography doesn’t just document—it holds feeling, place, and presence. She has this rare ability to capture both the quiet poetry of a moment and the wild, untamed energy of a place. Over two days, she (and the first day’s guest teacher Stephanie Stematis) guided us through seeing differently, thinking about composition with intention, and harnessing the magic of natural light.
But this weekend wasn’t just about photography—it was about creative nourishment in its fullest sense. I believe so deeply in lifelong learning, in stepping outside the familiar and allowing new experiences to shape and shift the way we see the world. It’s easy, especially as a solo parent and often solo creative, to fall into patterns, to unknowingly build habits that keep creativity contained. But I know this: when I make time for learning from others, for being in spaces where creativity is shared, celebrated and thrown around like fairy dust, I come back to my own work and world with renewed energy, a fresh perspective and a brand new love for all that I do.
And then there was the food… Annie and Susan’s generosity was felt in every meal—each dish a reflection of their deep commitment to growing and cooking with care. We gathered around a long table at Babbington Park, sharing a French farmhouse lunch that felt like the definition of country comfort and abundance. We dined at du Fermier in Trentham, where Annie weaves exquisitely simple ingredients into something deeply visceral and memorable.
More than anything, this experience was a reminder of why places and opportunities like this matter. Babbington Park holds something rare—the kind of beauty that seeps into your bones, the kind of welcome that feels like home. The kindness, generosity, and authenticity of Lean, Annie, and Susan were the heart of these two days. In a world that often feels like it’s moving too fast, this was a pause—a chance to slow down, look closely, and appreciate the quiet magic that exists in the everyday whilst in the company of expert tuition and limitless knowledge.
I walked away feeling filled up in ways that even I hadn’t imagined or expected. Inspired, grateful, and reminded that making time for creativity and connection isn’t always a luxury—sometimes it’s a necessity.
You may want to check out my related content below:
From Forest Clearing to Town Garden: A Story of Growth – Discover the journey of transforming a space from raw nature to a thriving garden, filled with lessons and inspiration.
Your Ultimate Gardening Inspiration Resource – Curated by our community for our community, this resource is filled with inspiration and practical tips for your gardening journey.
Explore both to fuel your own gardening growth!
Or if you’d like to dive deeper into sustainable gardening practices, join me for a workshop on productive gardening.
Explore my workshops:
~ Garden Design with Natasha Morgan – Craft a garden that balances structure, beauty, and functionality.
~ The Productive Garden with Natasha Morgan – Learn how to grow abundantly, no matter your space.
~ The Wicking Bed Garden with Natasha Morgan – Build a self-watering, water-wise garden for effortless growing.
~ Preserving The Seasons with Natasha Morgan – Capture seasonal flavours with time-honoured preserving techniques.
~ Introduction to Backyard Chicken Keeping with Saffron and Natasha – Learn how to raise happy, healthy chickens at home.
Natasha xx
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