Some plants are labeled as 'unwanted' or 'invasive'. But who decides which plant is wanted and which plant is unwanted? Who creates the maps that dictate where certain plants can and can't grow?
The concept of an unwanted plant touches upon the issues of immigration that we are facing globally, beyond gardening. And the notion is intertwined with balance and harmony. An environment that is too hostile will kill the plant, but an environment that is too friendly will make the plant into a plague. Does this also apply to humans?
Within this program, we look for ways to enjoy these unwanted plants and their stories and recelebrate flora that is deemed unwanted.
Many believe that the Japanese knotweed is a specie that can only cause harm. This, however, is a very one-sided view on this exotic invader. In cities and gardens it might be a pain to get rid of, but is it also harmful in the kitchen? Japanese knotweed turns out to be of great nutritional value.
Around the mid-1800s, botanical interests in Europe were high. Searching for beautiful unique plants around the world, for study purposes, or using them as ornamentals was common practice. So much that many species were being shipped from their natural habitats to Kew Gardens, nurseries, and…
