A gorgeous installation of the UK’s diversity displayed through plant life has made its new home in Victoria Square.
Celebrating Diversity
The PoliNations Garden is a celebration of diversity. The statistic that around 80% of plants found in UK city-gardens originated overseas inspired the project. The project reflects upon the UK’s complex histories surrounding migration and diversity. As well as stressing the importance of having access to green spaces.
The PoliNations Garden is part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival which has seen various events happening all over the city this summer.
The garden is stunning. If you have the opportunity to visit, you truly must. Here’s how the project commissioners, UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, describe it:
A huge oasis of plants and flowers is blossoming. Stretching far, reaching wide and towering high into the sky, giant architectural trees will collect rainwater captured in the canopy feeding the 5000 living plants in the garden below. Music, spoken word, tours, light shows, design workshops and multi-sensory experiences will bring the garden to life day and night – all totally free.
For the full event guide, click here.
Besides its apparent beauty, the commissioners also wanted the project to include the community where possible. For example, on the project’s launch date members of the public were invited to help complete the garden. This involved them planting plants for the garden.
What’s more, on the last day local community groups and members of the public will be encouraged to take a plant home! This means that the greenery used for the project will not just go to waste and end up in a landfill. Instead, they will be distributed throughout the city.
It’s a shame that the garden is only around for a short time. However, hopefully the popularity of the PoliNations Garden can inspire similar projects to also appear. It would be even better if some cities committed to creating even more permanent green spaces!
