Amanda Edmiston: Herbal Storytelling and Interactive Narrative Art

Amanda Edmiston is a visionary storyteller and narrative artist based in Scotland, operating under the name Botanica Fabula. With a deep-rooted background in herbal medicine, she has pioneered the unique practice of herbal storytelling—a multidisciplinary art form that bridges the gap between botanical science, folklore, and history. Her work is characterized by its immersive, multi-sensory nature, often incorporating the scents, tastes, and textures of plants to bring ancient legends and historical facts to life. As a loric-herbalist, Amanda Edmiston creates bespoke projects for a wide range of institutions, including the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Chelsea Physic Garden. Her sessions are tailored to diverse audiences, from primary school children to adults in care settings, always aiming to foster a deeper connection with the natural world. Amanda Edmiston's practice often involves cabinets of curiosities, story-boxes, and collaborative art-making, which encourage participants to explore their own memories and relationships with plants. Her academic and professional journey, which includes studies at the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine and membership in the Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland network, informs her writing and research. Amanda Edmiston is also an author, sharing the forgotten wisdom of ancestral herbal knowledge through her books and articles. Whether performing internationally or leading community-led sculpture trails, her work serves as a vital link between traditional oral traditions and modern environmental engagement.