Alice Vincent: A Garden of One's Own

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. TakeawaysAlone time can be a valuable and fulfilling experience, allowing for personal growth and self-reflection.Creating personal space, whether through gardening or other activities, can provide a sense of independence and freedom.Navigating relationships and sharing space with a partner requires constant communication and a willingness to compromise.Taking time alone, whether through solo trips or dedicated alone time at home, can be rejuvenating and empowering.00:00Introduction 04:34Transition to Writing06:27Exploring Alonement07:43Defining Alone09:38Aloneness in Different Life Stages10:35The Luxury of Alone Time13:04Navigating Alone Time14:28Themes in Rootbound and Why Women Grow15:21Finding Solace in Gardening19:46Creating Space for Oneself20:46Gardening as a Solitary Activity24:41The Meditative Nature of Gardening27:03Living with a Partner and Maintaining Independence30:16The Ambivalence of Sharing Space34:32Choosing Relationships on One's Own Terms38:52Creating Personal Space43:37Tips for Starting a Growing Journey47:21Taking Time Alone50:07Ultimate Alone Time With a one-off payment of £5, you can listen to the Alonement podcast ad-free. https://plus.acast.com/s/alonement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.