Centre for Minorities Research Podcast
Thank you to Rachael Jefferies for inviting us on to the Centre for Minorities Research Podcast to talk about our work.
The Centre for Minorities Research is based at the University of St Andrews, St Andrews in Scotland, UK. And the centre’s student-led podcast provides a space for students to creatively explore their research interests.
We’re delighted to feature on the first episode of season 2.
“Growing Flowers in the Desert: A Conversation with the Lemon Tree Trust will reveal how one packet of seeds can bring hope to even the most desolate of situations. In this podcast, Rachael Jefferies, a Master of Arts (Honours) student in French and German, explores the power of gardening with Jennie Spears from the Lemon Tree Trust. Discover stories of displaced individuals and see how the act of gardening becomes a common language of dignity between people and a bridge to build community.”
In the 30 minute episode, we answer questions, such as:
- How did it all start? What was the founder’s inspiration for creating the Lemon Tree Trust?
- What plants do people like to grow?
- How can people that have been displaced use their garden space to move on from their previous lives but also to bridge the link between their previous lives and their current situation?
- Would you say you have come across people who are new to gardening, as well as people who have always enjoyed it?
- Is there anything that we can do as listeners to support the vision of the Lemon Tree Trust?
Listen to the podcast episode.
Photo: Roadside Plant Store flowers, Kurdistan Region of Iraq © Britt Willoughby Dyer
We have launched our Spring 2026: Tree & Plant Appeal, inviting supporters to help families displaced by war grow gardens that bring food, shade, sanctuary and beauty to the places they now call home. There are over 1.34 million displaced people living in Iraq, more than 300,000 of them Syrian refugees. Many live in camps … Continued
Gardens That Can Save the World, a new book by award-winning garden designer Lottie Delamain, features Lemon Tree Trust and we are honoured to be included. The book, published on 12 March by Thames & Hudson, brings together 65 projects from around the world, exploring how gardens and growing can address some of the most … Continued
We are pleased to have run a small gardening project with the Êriș Centre in Qamishli, Syria. The centre helps supports 12 children aged five and above with a range of disabilities and additional needs. They are supported by a team of 17 trainers, assistants and supervisors. We arranged two simple gardening activities for the … Continued