In a world full of bricks, plants have become silent architects. For this reason, we have a special day to raise plant awareness. The Fascination of Plants Day (18 May), organised by the European Plant Science Organisation, aims to encourage scientists and to share their passion for plants with their local communities. These include talking about basic plant science, agriculture, and plant science education. In a few words, to provide a shared space where we can be fascinated by plants. To have a chat about plants.

I believe scientists always need to extend ways of expressing themselves. Typically, scientists convey their ideas through text articles or oral presentations – most often to other scientists. But occasionally, we have the chance to explain our research to the public, and I was keen to hold such an activity for the Fascination of Plants Day.

I wanted to share my curiosity about seeds and highlight their ability to sense different environmental signals. Yet I was confused. It was my first time doing this kind of activity. How do you make a technical subject understandable and engaging for a person without a technical background? Tamara, one of the event's organisers, helped me a lot with brainstorming and shaping the activity to make it as engaging as possible. Finally, we set it up for the event day.

On May 18, in the Lancaster Charter Market, the whole team was able to setup an amazing stand. We highlighted the plant research areas at LEC. As people arrived, it was nourishing to witness their surprise and, most importantly, their curiosity. As I was chatting about seed biology, a small child asked a question that is still with me. How do seeds know? I wish I, and probably many other botanists before me, could have given a straightforward answer to that question!

Overall, Fascination of Plants Day was a fantastic experience. It underscored the importance of public engagement in science. It encouraged me to reformulate the way I communicate my work and make it accessible to non-scientists, and often such activities lead to fresh ideas and thoughts I can bring to my future research.

I would strongly recommend anyone, especially PhD students who are interested in broadening their communication skills, engage in this kind of activity.

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