My name is Matilya. I am a horticulturalist, artist, workshop facilitator and community gardener. I have spent most of my waking moments over the last 8 years tending to and communing with plants.

My work is centred around building relationships between people and plants and creating spaces for healing, care and memory work. I explore diasporic ways of communing with plants and reconnecting with the traditions of my Kenyan and Tanzania ancestors. This takes many forms through garden and place-making, collaborative workshops and archival research.

Work

Recent Projects

‘Herbal Skincare Lab’ at at Thackray Museum of Medicine’s ‘Thackray Lates’

Co-design and build of the Rowland Road Play Patch + Sensory Garden commission 2025

Tea Ceremony Facilitation at ‘Sustenance’ with Edible Archives, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture

Find out more about my work

Upcoming events

  • 'Hamnet' Tea Tasting

    Date: Wednesday 7th January 2026, 8-9pm (following the 6pm film screening)

    Join me for a sensory herbal tea tasting after the preview screening of ‘Hamnet’, orgaised by Reclaim the Frame.

    You will try a bespoke tea blend based on herbs featured in the film and have the opportunity to make up your own custom teabag to take home.

    Address: Hyde Park Picture House, Leeds

    RSVP