About

Green Thoughts FAQ

Well, 'frequently asked' is maybe putting it a bit strongly. As far as I know, no-one has asked any of these questions yet, but I guess they might do if they come across this blog. So here goes...

What's this blog for?
It's for all things to do with poetry at Trebah Garden in Cornwall. Poems written in and/or inspired by the garden, for starters. I'll be putting up some of my own and some by people who come along to poetry workshops at Trebah. Also news of any poetry-related events - readings, workshops, maybe even exhibitions - that are happening in the garden. And some poems written about other gardens too, by poets old and new, on more or less seasonal themes.

Who's behind it?
That would be me - Tom Scott. I'm a poet based in Falmouth and I was recently invited to become poet in residence at Trebah. It's a wonderful opportunity to build on the great work of my predecessor in the role, Caroline Carver, who has already done a huge amount to open up the inspirational resources of the garden to poets of all ages and experience.

So what's a poet in residence?

Wang Xizhi
(source: Wikimedia Commons)

Good question. Alas, it doesn't mean that I'll actually be living in the garden! But I will be spending quite a bit of time there, seeking inspiration from this most beautiful of Cornish valley gardens and encouraging others to do so. There's a long and rich historical association between poetry and gardens, not just in Europe but in many other parts of the world too. In fourth-century China, for instance, a poet called Wang Xizhi held what we might now call a poetry workshop in a garden known as the Orchid Pavilion. He invited a large group of poets and they all sat down alongside a stream that ran through the garden. Cups of wine were then floated down the stream. If one of these stopped next to one of the poets, he had to drink it and then improvise a poem.

Will you be running any 'floating cup' workshops at Trebah?
Hmm... Not sure yet, but watch this space. In the meantime, here is a bit of Wang Xizhi's preface to the anthology of poems that came out of that delightful event in 353 AD. His description of the garden made me think of Trebah on a spring day:

Young and old ones have come together.

This area has high mountains and steep hills,

dense wood and slender bamboos,

as well as a limpid swift stream flowing by

with reflections all around.

We sit by a redirected streamlet that floats the wine goblets to us.

Although without the grandeur of musical accompaniment,

the wine and poems

are sufficient to allow for a free exchange of deep feelings.

As for this day,

the sky is clear, the air is fresh,

and the breeze is mild.

Hanging high is the immense universe.

Around us is the myriad variety,

stretching our sights and freeing our minds.

What if I have more questions/suggestions?
If there's anything you'd like to know about poetry at Trebah, or if you have any suggestions for poetry-related events/projects, then do please get in touch.