Dynamic Dandelion
Growing gardens will show the power of collective action
GARDENS WILL transform unexpected places in Edinburgh in a new nationwide creative project - Dandelion - demonstrating the power of collective action and rediscovery of the connection to the food we eat.
The Edinburgh Agroecology Coop (EAC) will partner with creative arts programme, Dandelion, to grow an Unexpected Garden at Lauriston Farm, and in addition a floating garden will tour the canal network in Scotland docking at The Helix in Falkirk until September.
The whole programme will pop up all over the country in a range of activities and festivals. Thousands of seeds and plant plugs will be given away so that everyone can have a go at growing.
The 100-acre Edinburgh site at Lauriston will give members of the EAC and volunteers on the site the chance of experimenting with farming practices and nurture indigenous and existing plants.
The EAC will work closely with North
Edinburgh Arts on the project as they invite residents and wider communities to come together to learn and grow.
Commissioned by EventScotland and funded by The Scottish Government, Dandelion is Scotland's contribution to UNBOXED: Creativity which is a UK-wide programme. The project is driven by the concept of “Sow, Grow, Share” – not just food but ideas, music, scientific knowledge, and community.
Dandelion will take a unique approach to growing, and brings together artists, scientists, performers, and technologists to present events and programmes throughout Scotland, including the Unexpected Gardens, and the project will culminate in hundreds of harvest celebrations later in the year.
The events will bring new life to community libraries, car parks and tidal sites from the Western Isles to the Borders, the Unexpected Gardens will be a highlight of Dandelion, from April to September this year.
UNBOXED's Chief Creative Officer, Martin
Green said: “UNBOXED celebrates creativity in its widest sense, placing it at the heart of people's everyday lives, as Dandelion is doing across Scotland this summer. As a project, Dandelion is literally about sowing seeds for the future, which we hope will inspire local communities and the next generation. It's part of a programme of five brilliant projects taking place in Scotland as part of UNBOXED this year, which combine art, science and tech, offering amazing events and experiences for everyone.”
A spokesperson for Lauriston Farm said: “Lauriston Farm is delighted to be part of this nationwide project that celebrates the diversity of growing, people and places. Having the opportunity and support to create a unique garden and cultural programme that connects community, art and food is fantastic and enhances pathways for creative engagement in the farm. We're looking forward to welcoming lots of people to explore and participate in the garden and activities at the farm.”