Many of us have a newfound focus and respect for nature after the pandemic. For Isabel, it began with sitting in one place and having time to study herbal remedy books she already owned. Daily walks on the same paths helped her notice patterns and observe how quickly nature changes, giving Iza, as she’s known, food for thought.
Her reignited love for medicinal plants (some call them weeds) brought another connection to her family, where foraged goods were gifted and turned into teas and other products. Having learned that her grandmother used to make elderflower wine, Iza seized the opportunity when elder trees bloomed. She, her sister, and her mother ventured on horseback to reach the purest flowers at the tops of trees to transform into wine. While watching it ferment over weeks was entertaining, she wondered about her ancestors – how they lived, collected food, and made the most of what was abundant around them.
Since this transformative time, Iza completed her studies in ecology and conservation and researched ectomycorrhizal fungi at Kew Gardens, where she currently works studying above- and below-ground fungi and forest dynamics. Her deep love of trees eventually led to broader research on fungi and native plants. Iza is also keenly interested in plant folklore, recognising the unique knowledge preserved in ancient tales. As stories were the primary way of passing knowledge, they often contained more profound concepts in forms easy for ordinary folk to remember. While we may never know the truth about fairies, Iza believes their place in botanical folklore is significant.
“Perhaps they depict the spirit of the plants, which we can connect with by asking questions while gardening, foraging, or meditating,” she says.
While her research career centres on data, Iza maintains that hands-on experience connecting with the soil is equally important. Growing with community groups offers connection and abundant produce, while having her home garden provides peace and a safe space to connect with nature. In her garden, she grows mostly herbs and native plants, combining low-maintenance approaches (as nature intended) with practices that increase biodiversity. The results are visible to the naked eye – after introducing homemade compost, previously unseen creatures appeared and established themselves, visibly improving the garden’s health and abundance.
We can learn so much when our hearts engage with a task. Sometimes the smallest catalysts, like an interest in common weeds, can lead to a lifelong career filled with awe and admiration for the natural world.
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