In this thought-provoking episode, acclaimed author Olivia Laing shares insights from The Garden Against Time, exploring the concept of gardens as both physical spaces and metaphors for paradise, exclusion, and resistance. Laing recounts restoring a historic garden and reflects on themes of ecological stewardship, historical gardens, and the philosophical tensions between control and collaboration with nature. Their book juxtaposes the beauty of gardens with the historical darkness behind some, revealing how spaces of natural beauty have sometimes been exclusionary or rooted in colonial wealth. We also replay our 2017 interview with Timothy Snyder about his book, On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century. The book was intended as a kind of vaccine to inoculate us against acquiescing to authoritarianism. Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004. Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and news. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram and Threads @WritersVoicePodcast or on Bluesky. READ TRANSCRIPTS ON OUR SUBSTACK Key words: Olivia Laing, The Garden Against Time, historical gardens, utopian communities, ecological gardening, Paradise Lost, environmental stewardship, gardening and mental health, public gardens, Timothy Snyder, fascism, Donald Trump, authoritarianism, resistance. Key Topics: * Restoring Mark Rumery’s historic garden: beauty, decay, and ecological stewardship * The symbolic meaning of gardens as both paradise and places of exclusion * Philosophical themes: the balance between control and natural growth * Historical contexts of gardens, including Milton’s Paradise Lost and utopian communities * Gardens as communal spaces and “commonwealths” against environmental and social challenges Key Quotes: * “The garden is a time capsule as well as a portal out of time—a space that reminds us of the need for slower, ecological rhythms.” * “In a time obsessed with dystopia, Milton’s Eden offers an important reminder of hope, the possibility of imagining a better world.” * “What would it mean to make gardens that are inclusive, shared, and restorative spaces—a cherished commonwealth for all?” Host’s Note on The Election & Timothy Snyder’s Warning Gutted by the results of the election, I went in search of comfort. I found it in Rebecca Solnit’s powerful clarion call for solidarity. Listen to it here. But, aside from building solidarity, to go forward, we need to also think about how we got here. So we replay our 2017 interview with historian Timothy Snyder, discussing the insights from his book, On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century. Key Topics: