Project
Planting Stories
Unit(s) of assessment: History
Research theme(s): Safety and Sustainability
School: School of Arts and Humanities
Overview
The Planting Stories project explores how botanical gardens can engage audiences in conversations about globalization, colonial history, and decolonization.
Working in partnership with Birmingham Botanical Gardens (BBG), the project tested new approaches to interpretation and audience engagement, informing BBG’s strategy at a pivotal moment in its development.
Botanical gardens, like museums and zoos, have historical ties to colonial collecting practices. However, decolonization in these spaces is still an emerging and sometimes contentious field. Planting Stories provided a platform to explore visitor interest in these discussions and trial new ways of presenting plant collections within this context.
The project’s findings have influenced BBG’s Action Plan and interpretation strategy, shaping their National Lottery Heritage Fund development project. It also strengthened relationships between BBG, Nottingham Trent University (NTU), local artists, and community groups, ensuring broader and more inclusive engagement.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Birmingham Botanical Gardens was founded in 1829 and opened to the public in 1832. Its establishment was linked to a growing interest of the middle class in botany encouraged by the introduction of new plants to Britain through the colonial expansion. It was designed by J. C. Loudon, a leading garden planner, horticultural journalist and publisher and the initial collection was established with gifts of plants and seeds from similar institutions and botanic gardens. Today it has a collection of over 7000 documented species of plants makes it one of the most diverse living collections in England.
The colonial connections of the garden are evident throughout the site, for example in the glass houses, signage, and the celebration of European plant hunters.
Before being allowed to contribute to this project, I felt like an outsider…growing up, we wouldn’t venture [outside of our local area]…as we’d be barred as Asian or Black people…I want to be part of the change.
Aims of the project
- Explore how botanical gardens can address colonial legacies through interpretation and programming.
- Understand visitor and staff perspectives on decolonization and plant collections.
- Develop creative approaches to audience engagement through art, storytelling, and community participation.
- Strengthen partnerships between BBG, NTU, and local communities.
- Inform BBG’s future interpretation strategy and community engagement efforts.
What we did
The project was an exploratory collaboration between BBG and NTU, with input from artists, community members, and students. Activities included:
- Creative audience engagement – Three artists, including NTU's Max Kandhola, led workshops exploring the historical and cultural significance of plant collections.
- Community research – Interviews with local allotment holders provided insights into connections between gardening, heritage, and identity.
- Public exhibition – A project lab-style exhibition showcased research findings, invited visitor responses, and created space for dialogue. This showcased work by five artists who identify as people of colour or queer, as well as NTU students, academics and visitors.
- Student involvement – Three NTU MA students gained paid internships, and a student brief embedded in the NTU BA (Hons) Animation.
- Academic dissemination – The project informed conference presentations, journal articles, and further research funding applications.
Impact and future work
- Influencing BBG’s Strategy – The research has informed BBG’s approach to interpretation and community engagement, shaping their long-term plans.
- Strengthening Institutional Partnerships – The collaboration between NTU and BBG has led to further research opportunities, including a planned AHRC funding bid.
- Supporting Public Engagement – The final exhibition and creative workshops encouraged visitors to reflect on plant origins, colonial history, and contemporary issues.
- Developing Student and Artist Opportunities – The project provided valuable experience for NTU students and local artists, fostering new connections and creative practices.
Research Peak - Cultural Heritage
Cultural Heritage demonstrates significant disciplinary breadth, bringing together scientific methods for analysing and preserving heritage with an understanding of the cultural context.
About Cultural Heritage