My Garden Path

https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/my-garden-path-clare-james/10066496

SERIES 29 | Episode 28

Clare James is a sculptor and painter who bought a 2 bedroom cottage with her husband Mark, an environmental science lecturer and passionate preserver, ten years ago. They are inspired by the garden and its creatures, and excited by the possibilities it presented to a growing family and have a shared passion in the garden. The couple have spent many key moments in their lives here, from getting married in the back yard to even giving birth to their two daughters Lyla (10) and Olive (8), in a room overlooking the garden. She simply can’t imagine how her mental health would be without it!

They first met on a camping trip 15 years ago and enjoy being outdoors and growing their own food as much as possible. Clare even slept in the backyard for a month because she missed the night sky so much, and was inspired by not just the stars, but also the nocturnal creatures, like the tiger slugs, which created their own ‘silver drawings’ each evening. From this she created a cornucopia of slugs, which was 204 sculptures. Their garden reflects their different skills and approaches. Mark’s focus and stamina ensures projects get finished, while Clare’s artistry has brought a magical dimension to the plantings and its sculptures.