Weeding out the Truth

NEW EXHIBITION CHALLENGES PERCEPTIONS OF PLANTS

The Bible contains various parables about seeds and weeds - each interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning and everything in the story represents something else, but overall weeds don't seem to be appreciated much, a feeling which seems to be replicated in our current society. However, all that may be set to change ...

Personally, I'm a champion of weeds, whether they have a 'purpose' I can determine or not and I often quote Ralph Waldo Emmerson who said that a weed is "A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered" and AA Milne's "Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them," so I was excited to discover a new exhibition at the RHS Garden Wisley, called 'What is a weed?' which also aims to challenge hearts and minds.

Developed by a group of young curators in collaboration with the RHS, it features the work of pupils from King's College Guildford and St John the Baptist School in Woking who have created a whole range of artworks, animation and interactive exhibits exploring this theme. They investigated subjects including human-plant relationships, beauty norms, compassion and the place of humans withing the ecosystem, supported by facilitators and artists Ada Rose and Linden McMahon and drew inspiration from the RHS Lindley Library collections (in particular botanical artworks and rare 16th century 'herbals' describing plants and their uses.)

Linden McMahon said: "Young people are leaders on climate change, ecological crisis, and social justice, and their creativity leaps outside the box. They are capable of imagining incredible things! By taking their ideas and art seriously, and working with professionals who have the resources to bring their ideas to life, this project gives a platform to voices which need to be heard."

"The project has given everyone involved the chance to discover more about the history of plants and gardening and why certain plants came to be thought of as weeds," said RHS head of libraries and exhibitions, Fiona Davison. "By working with young people to explore the role of different plants in the ecosystem, and our attitudes to them, we can show the benefits a diverse range of plants can offer to wildlife and climate as well as health and wellbeing."

This sensory and thought-provoking event which includes rare items and specimens from the RHS Library and Herbariums collections will run from 10am until 5pm until 23rd January 2024 and is free to attend. No booking is required but for more information visit the RHS website HERE.