![Hydrangea macrophylla - mophead hydrangea](https://i0.wp.com/beingknitterly.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Hydrangea-macrophylla-mophead-hydrangea.jpg?resize=640%2C420&ssl=1)
I’ve been inspired by nature from an early age. In particular, I love plants and have fond memories of helping my father with his allotments. He taught me to identify common plants and to grow vegetables from seed.
![Knautia arvensis - field scabious](https://i0.wp.com/beingknitterly.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Knautia-arvensis-field-scabious.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
The success of animal species is dependent on protecting plant habitats, so I have supported the charity Plantlife for many years.
![Vanessa atalanta - red admiral](https://i0.wp.com/beingknitterly.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Vanessa-atalanta-red-admiral.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
Plantlife carries out many campaigns, run 23 nature reserves in the UK and are active internationally.
![Euphorbia peplus - petty spurge](https://i0.wp.com/beingknitterly.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Euphorbia-peplus-petty-spurge.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
Plantlife has launched the “Patchwork Meadow” project, in which they are asking people to design a square, inspired by flowers or plants, using any textile technique (sewing, weaving, knitting, lace, felt, painting, printing etc).
![Summer meadow](https://i0.wp.com/beingknitterly.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Summer-meadow.jpg?resize=640%2C430&ssl=1)
You will find an information leaflet about the project here.
![Hyacinthoides non-scripta - English bluebell](https://i0.wp.com/beingknitterly.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Hyacinthoides-non-scripta-English-bluebell.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)