Our Yard at Clitterhouse Farm presents: Mindful Making Workshop - Kokedama

We want to invite you to take a pause in our busy lives and connect with nature and its incredible healing power. It helps dealing with the over-activity of the mind, activates fully our five senses and recharges our energy levels.

Kokedama means "koke" moss and "dama" ball, and originally comes from the Nearai bonsai method which is an art form centuries old. It involves growing plants in a ball of soil wrapped in moss. The moss ball is either place in a surface, like a bowl or a plate, or suspended in the air with a string.

It got its start when the less affluent population in Japan started looking for a simpler, more accessible way to enjoy the beauty of bonsai in their everyday lives. Referred to as "poor man's bonsai", kokedama allows us today to turn houseplants into suspended green oasis.

The craft of Kokedama is a reflection of the Japanese philosophy of ‘wabi-sabi’, the art of appreciating beauty in the world’s natural imperfections. There is no direct translation for the spirit of the philosophy, but loosely translated, "wabi" is the quality of simplicity, and often refers to natural and man-made items. "Sabi " talks about the beauty or serenity that comes with age and time.

Research shows that active engagement with the arts, culture and creativity is beneficial for the health and wellbeing of us all. On the occasion of Creativity and Wellbeing Week (20th to 25th of May) we want to contribute with this mindful making workshop to promote the therapeutic effect of nature (in this case plants) for the indulgence of our senses and wellness.