The Garden Politic
James Wong created quite a stir with his recent Guardian article entitled ‘Other arts are political, why not gardening?’ https://amp-theguardian-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/nov/29/james-wong-other-arts-are-often-political-who-says-gardening-shouldnt-be-too
Thomas J Price: Network Yorkshire Scuplture Park
To summarise, James Wong (ethnobotanist, write and broadcaster) argues that gardening is an art, and that arts are political, in the same way as, say, sculpture or music. Think of the ambiguous nature of Shostakovich’s symphonies or the lack of people of colour represented in British sculpture. If you think politics should be kept out of gardening, says Wong, then by implication, you don’t consider it an art form. In case you haven’t read the article, Wong’s piece was triggered by a ‘keep politics out of gardening response’ from some of the visitors to a Hampton Court flower show exhibit, shaped like the Empire Windrush and inspired by the issues facing displaced peoples from around the world.
I have no difficulty in coming down on the side of gardens as both art and politics. In my view, it is as impossible to create and manage a garden or a park without making decisions which declare your world view, as it is to keep a sense of the artistic (however poorly executed!) out of your creation. I would add, however, that – as with some art – the design and management may simply reflect the attitudes of the creator/manager; it does not necessarily make a conscious or specific political statement. Thus, even the smallest urban garden, which may not be overtly political, will represent our society, as well as its maker’s nature and nurture.
Ponder then, on the potential message that an intentional garden statement can send without denigrating the art - and science - of gardening. The wall which separates Petworth Park in Sussex from the surrounding village is, to me, as lowering and ominous as the Berlin Wall and, whether you interpret it as a symbol of class, or of politics, it clearly indicates the separation of the rich and powerful on the inside from the less fortunate on the outside.
Ponder also on the current ‘trend’ towards garden biodiversity, use of locally native species and sustainable management. This is not about fashion, but a clear statement of intent regarding climate change, resource management, reduction of carbon footprints and protection of the planet. Surely that is political?
But for me, the most worrying implication of Wong’s article is the inevitable Twitter storm which followed it, focusing on horticulture and race. On Wednesday 16th December, Wong (@Botanygeek) tweeted, ‘It’s certainly been a colourful few days. Been asked by the police to read all the 1000s of tweets to screen grab & report the hate crime & threats. What that also revealed is 1000s kind & supportive messages, inc the very highest levels in hort.’.
That is a very serious reflection on our society.
Talking of gardens and planetary threats, however, I will finish with the political topic about which I originally intended to blog this week, anyway. The tell-tale signs of climate change are everywhere. Here is Terroir’s gallery of a very floriferous winter.
November on the Isle of Wight
December in Surrey and Sussex
The odd one out is, of course, the gorse, which can flower throughout the year. Hence the comment, ‘when the gorse is out, ‘tis kissing time’!
