Why Gardens Matter

Joanna Geyer-Kordesch has had a distinguished academic career bridging the disciplines of history of medicine and cultural history as embodied in our landscapes. After becoming the first woman to direct The Wellcome Unit for the History of Medicine at the University from 1990 to 2001, she became Professor of European Natural History and History of Medicine at that university where, after retiring in 2006, she remains a Professor Emerita. Since retirement Joanna has continued her research interests while developing a parallel career as a poet, artist and creative essayist. In this latest phase of her life, following a debilitating illness, gardens have become central to her thinking, as well as places of healing, stimulus and reflection.

Donald Smith is a storyteller, novelist, playwright and founding Director of the Scottish Storytelling Centre. Donald’s non-fiction books include Freedom and Faith on the Independence debate, Pilgrim Guide to Scotland which recovers the nation’s sacred geography and four books, co-authored with Stuart McHardy, in the Luath Press Journeys and Evocations series. Donald has also written a series of historical novels, most recently Flora McIvor. He is currently Director of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival.