Jessica Steel

Hi! I’m Jessica, a nature enthusiast, gardener, and workshop facilitator passionate about helping people reconnect with the natural world through mindful practices and sustainable living.How I Got Started:My journey into horticulture began during my time in London, where I helped transform underused urban spaces into thriving community gardens. Working with communities to grow food and create green spaces sparked a deep love for gardening and sustainable practices. There was a pivotal moment when I realized how grounding and healing working with plants could be—both for me and the people I was teaching.This passion led me to start teaching workshops and sharing what I’ve learned, from urban gardening to crafts like kokedama, a Japanese art form that combines mindfulness with creativity.Why I Love Teaching:I believe that teaching is about more than just sharing knowledge—it’s about connecting with people and creating a sense of community. Watching someone’s face light up when they create their first kokedama or learn how to grow their own herbs is incredibly rewarding. I love seeing people leave my workshops feeling inspired and more connected to nature.What’s Unique About My Work:Something most people don’t realize is how much cultural history and mindfulness are intertwined in horticulture practices like kokedama. For example, kokedama dates back to Japan’s Edo period and represents a beautiful blend of simplicity, balance, and nature. Sharing these stories adds a deeper layer of meaning to my workshops.Experience and Qualifications:I have several years of experience working with community gardens and facilitating workshops for a wide range of participants, from children to adults. In London, I worked with Cultivate London and Heston Action Group, where I taught gardening to volunteers, designed drought prevention workshops, and created spaces for growing food sustainably.Now based in Bangkok, I’m bringing this experience to workshops at places like theCOMMONS and GU Space, where I focus on crafting, gardening, and sustainability. While I don’t have formal qualifications in horticulture, my hands-on experience building gardens and leading community projects has given me invaluable insights into this field.Through my workshops, I hope to inspire more people to slow down, connect with nature, and create something beautiful with their hands. Let’s grow together!