Because I am really interested in gardening, I do really interesting plants, not even always flowers. And because I have grown them, I really know them like friends. I paint everything from exotic orchids to rosehips growing wild in a hedge. They just have to speak to me.

The quote "Because I am really interested in gardening, I do really interesting plants, not even always flowers. And because I have grown them, I really know them like friends. I paint everything from exotic orchids to rosehips growing wild in a hedge. They just have to speak to me" by Emma Tennant reflects her deep connection to plants and nature, highlighting the personal and emotional bond she forms with them. Tennant expresses how her passion for gardening influences her art, as she paints a wide variety of plants, from exotic orchids to more everyday plants like rosehips. For her, the plants she chooses to paint are not just subjects; they are like friends she has come to know intimately through her gardening.

Tennant’s description of knowing plants "like friends" speaks to the personal relationship she has with the living things she nurtures in her garden. This reflects a level of care and attention to detail that allows her to connect with each plant on a deeper level. By growing them, she becomes familiar with their characteristics, their rhythms, and their beauty, making them not just objects to admire, but beings with whom she shares a special connection.

The phrase "they just have to speak to me" reflects Tennant’s intuitive approach to both gardening and painting. It suggests that the plants she chooses to paint are those that resonate with her emotionally, whether for their appearance, symbolism, or the memories they evoke. This speaks to her belief in the organic nature of inspiration, where the plants themselves guide her artistic choices based on the connection she feels with them.

Emma Tennant, a British author and artist, is known for her works that often explore themes of nature, art, and personal experience. This quote highlights how her gardening interests and her passion for painting are intertwined, with each helping to deepen her understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Tennant’s approach to gardening and art emphasizes the importance of forming personal, emotional connections with nature, which then translates into her work.