*Colloquially used to describe an unkempt protective layer of hair covering the pubic mound on a woman’s body: an overgrown patch in need of a good digging

Famous for his Dungeness garden, created in the natural landscape with indigenous plants and found objects, Derek Jarman once said “If a garden isn’t shaggy, forget it”. As nature intended, but created by an artist’s hand, this highly individual garden is an inspiration the world over; yet so many of the people who love Jarman’s garden have been shocked and disgusted by his art.

Lady Gardens are also regarded with shock and disgust, an area to be clipped, sanitised and scented. In support of The Gynaecological Cancer Fund awareness campaign we shall be creating stitched Lady Gardens; taking Jarman’s approach to gardens as nature intended and building on traditional references such as the song, ‘An English Country Garden, and the nursery rhyme, Mary, Mary quite contrary, how does your garden grow?

Join Whitstable’s Profanity Embroidery Group for a friendly afternoon or evening to create a Lady Garden of your own with simple stitches and found objects. Weather permitting, start with a flotsam forage on the beach. Sessions include all materials plus refreshment. With guidance from the Profanity Embroidery Group team, your unique and individual garden will burst into bloom.

Workshop places are limited and must be booked in advance at: https://pegladygarden.eventbrite.co.uk

The Lady Gardens will be exhibited at a Whitstable Beach Hut. Workshop attendees are invited to exhibit theirs too