Day 13: Connecting with nature to improve my wellbeing in the dark days of winter by enjoying the ecosystem beneath a plant pot

This evening, as the December drizzle persisted in a way that makes you completely soaking when it doesn’t look like you will get particularly wet (anyone who has walked on Dartmoor will understand that reference). I put  on my waterproof coat and ventured out to the garden. The ground was soggy,  and the earthy smell of damp soil made me smile as I switched on the torch. Instead of focusing on the pond or plants above ground, I decided to explore what lay beneath—I chose a wooden pot – as I thought it would be lighter to lift up and tipped it up. Underneath that wooden pot, I discovered a extremely busy micro-ecosystem, a secret world full with life.

What Lives Under a Plant Pot?

Turning over the plant pot was like a revealing a secret tiny of garden safari. There were so many different organisms including earthworms, land shrimps, woodlice, snails, and slugs—all invertebrates that live in the damp, dark conditions under a pot.

Here’s what I found:

Land Hoppers: I love these little invertebrates. Terrestrial amphipods. I filmed an ant dragging a dead one across the pavement in the summer an extraordinary sight. This evening these Land Hoppers just made me so happy. These Land Shrimps bounce and jump all over when exposed. The garde was really wet this evening so they will be safe where they land.

Earthworms

These industrious creatures were wriggling through the moist soil. Earthworms are the unsung heroes of the garden, aerating the soil and breaking down organic matter into nutrients that plants can absorb. Watching them wiggle away from the light, I couldn’t help but marvel at their role in keeping the garden ecosystem balanced.

Woodlice

A small number of woodlice scurried away as I lifted the pot. These little crustaceans, are fascinating in their own right. Did you know they’re closely related to lobsters and crabs? They play a vital role in decomposing dead plant material, turning it into rich soil. I think they are great little characters. I will often spend a break in the garden watching their tiny adventures in the crevices in the walls or mountaineering across the soil.

Snails and Slugs

A couple of glass snails clung to the underside of the pot, their shells gleaming in the torchlight. Nearby, a slug slid away into the soil. Though they often get a bad rap for munching on plants, these molluscs are an important food source for birds and hedgehogs. Their presence is a sign of a healthy, thriving garden ecosystem. I saw lizards in my garden in the summer and they eat slugs. As do hedgehogs – I haven’t seen these in the garden for a while. But I see their poo near our house on the pavement so I know they are still about.

Why Look Under a Plant Pot?

You might wonder why I chose to explore such a seemingly mundane spot in the garden. But under every overturned object lies a magical hidden world. These damp, sheltered spaces provide a haven for creatures that help break down organic matter, enrich the soil, and feed other wildlife. I get lost checking out all the tiny invertebrates I can spot and observing their behaviour. I loved seeing the glass snails this evening. Until, I turned my garden into a wildlife garden I had never heard of a glass snail.

Taking the time to look under a plant pot is a simple yet profound way to reconnect with nature. It’s a reminder that life flourishes in even the smallest, most overlooked places. If we nurture nature, nature will nurture us.

The Fascinating Lives of Those that Dwell Under Pots

I love to spend my spare time listening to Biology podcasts and reading about ecology. Here are some fascinating facts about these garden residents:

Earthworms: They can eat their weight in soil each day and improve soil drainage, which is essential after heavy December rain. I love seeing these in the garden. When I first turned this patch from a bare gravel covered front garden to a wild flower meadow there were not many worms in the soil. This year as I planting bulbs, I had to be really careful not to hurt the worms as there were so many of them.

Land Shrimp or Land Hoppers: These are terrestrial amphipods. I absolutely love these invertebrates, you can see them bouncing about at the start of my YouTube short

Woodlice: They can roll into tight balls when threatened—a behaviour known as conglobation (this is a fantastic word I found when doing a bit of research about these in the summer).

Snails and Slugs: Their trails contain pheromones, helping them find their way back to familiar feeding grounds. Research done by the University of Exeter demonstrated that snails will always head towards their home patch. This was shown on a TV show a few years ago where they took some snails from Exeter and put them in a garden near London. The Exeter snails headed in a South West direction trying to get home – so although pheromones play an important part it shows us there is some other directional stimulus to their movement.

The Mental Health Benefits of Mini Safaris

Once again, I found myself completely immersed in the moment as I observed this tiny ecosystem. The act of crouching down, feeling the damp soil, and watching these creatures go about their lives helped me forget the stresses of the day.

This mini-safari of the underneath of a plant pot reminded me that connecting with nature doesn’t require a grand gesture. Sometimes, it’s as simple as moving a pot or a stone to put a little light into the darkest days of witer.

How to Explore the World Under a Plant Pot

Go on get ouside and have a look at the nature on your doorstep. It can be quick, easy and sample.

Choose the Right Spot: Look for pots or stones that haven’t been moved for a while.

Be Gentle: Lift the pot slowly to avoid startling or harming any creatures.

Observe Closely: Use a torch or magnifying glass to examine the invertebrates up close.

Replace the Pot: Carefully put the pot back to preserve this precious microhabitat (I was very careful to move the the worms so that they would not be hurt when I replaced the pot).

Rediscovering the Joy of Small Wonders

The dark days of December leave me feeling heavy,  oppressed by the lack of light and warmth,but moments like these bring light and curiosity back into my life. Lifting that woodenplant pot and exploring the life underneath reminded me how much joy can be found in the simplest of acts.

Have you looked under a plant pot or stone in your garden recently? You should. Take a break and get outside. I’d love to hear about what you discovered! Let’s celebrate the small, overlooked wonders of the natural world together.