Extract from Why Gardens Matter by Joanna Geyer-Kordesch

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 Na tural
History and History of Medicine at that un iversity where, after retiring
in 2006, she remains a Professor Emerita. Since retirement
Joanna has continued her research in terests while de veloping 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.