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

 

Refugee and IDP (internally displaced people) camps are created quickly, out of urgent need. But many become long-term homes for the people who live there. Over time, these settlements evolve into what we might call accidental cities – dense, complex urban environments that are rarely planned for the long term. As Earth Day approaches, we’re … Continued

We recently invited our incredible community of supporters to share their thoughts on our work, impact and future direction. Your feedback has been insightful and inspiring, helping us shape our next steps.  Thousands of displaced people have found hope, healing and dignity through gardening, thanks to your support. But as we look ahead to the … Continued

Thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters in 2024, the Hêvî Community Garden in Gawilan refugee camp has made remarkable progress. Named ‘Hêvî’, meaning ‘hope’ in Kurdish, this garden is now a busy hub, providing a vital area for people to reconnect and build resilience. Through your kindness, we received £9,207 GBP ($11,268 USD) to … Continued