A growing collection by Elliot Harris

Elliot Harris

A GROWING COLLECTION

A publication on the distribution and origins of house-plants.

Contents/ Index

4-7

Introduction

8-9

Benefits of house-plants

10 - 13

By-products of distribution

14 - 15

Conclusion

01 - Ficus Retusa: Asia 02 - Dracaena Sanderiana: Asia 03 - Adiantum: North America Schefflera Actinophylla: Oceania Chlorophytum: Africa

04 - Adiantum: North America Chlorophytum: Africa

05 - Schefflera Actinophylla: Oceania 06 - Dracaena Draco: Europe 07- Cactaceae: South America

08 - Calathea Ornata: South America 09 - Calathea: Africa

01 - Ficus Retusa: Asia

02 - Dracaena Sanderiana: Asia

Growing a collection of exotic house-plants has made me curious about their origins and distribution. The establishment of a collection of these ornaments within the properties and spaces we inhabit may have a far greater impact when we could comprehend. Throughout this study, I will be establishing, exploring, and disseminating what it is that may, or may not make these ornamental features a future essential to everyone’s living space. Should we invest our time and money into indoor plants and vegetation? Is there any significant purpose other than their appeal and contribution to decor? And are there hidden costs concerning the importation of exotic plants? To help me achieve a productive answer to these questions, and determine if they simply are just another carefully manufactured product for the general consumer, I have researched and reflected upon a variety of critical conversations, interviews, studies, and artists. Such as Néle Azevedo, and her public installation “ice men” in 2014. Hoping to uncover the true nature of the distribution and ownership of the plants we have grown to love.

Pencil on paper Ficus Retusa

Pencil on paper Dracaena Sanderiana

03 - Adiantum: North America Schefflera Actinophylla: Oceania Chlorophytum: Africa

04 - Adiantum: North America, Chlorophytum: Africa

“ Many would benefit from keeping plants due to it’s provision of a simple yet rewarding experience ” The inherent nature of a collection of house plants is usually perceived as a fairly innocent and comforting juxtaposition to the atmosphere present within a household. In fact many result to the adoption of these living ornaments due to their beneficial proprieties, the very reason why I started to develop an extensive collection of my own. I interviewed local plant collector Hannah Horlock to gain a greater understanding of this phenomena. Horlock talks about the notion of plants in regard to their impact on both her and her surroundings “I keep plants as they are a perfect addition to my living space, affecting my daily life in small but beneficial ways. It is extremely fulfilling to watch a plant grow, due to your care for it. Many would benefit from keeping plants due to it’s provision of a simple yet rewarding experience”. Horlock’s mention of fulfilment is reminiscent of the crux of almost any personal collection. However, having one you nurture and see through its lifespan can be far more engaging. Studies such as those documented by the Royal Horticultural Society have proven both psychological and physical health benefits; ranging from the reduction of stress levels, Increased worker productivity, mood improvements, and the reduction of high blood pressure. Many outlets have also circulated conversation about Indoor plants having the potential to improve air quality. A study recently publicized in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology has demonstrated a ‘dense’ collection of house-plants had the capability of reducing up to 66.67% of the formaldehyde that they had been subjected to. This is a chemical compound composed of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen secreted from all forms of life in a process called cellular metabolism. However, an outcome such as this has only been successfully achieved in pristine environments, and sealed chambers, crafted for the study of botany. I think It would be reckless and irrational to assume the outcome of a study such as this, is not influenced by the nature and environment of its location. In fact, to produce similar findings equal to this study, you would require around 10 potted plants per square foot to cleanse the air at a similar rate. I suggest opening a window.

05 - Dracaena Draco: Europe

06 - Schefflera Actinophylla: Oceania

Ink on paper Dracaena Draco

Ink on paper Schefflera Actinophylla

Unfortunately, the ownership of a house-plant isn’t all sunshine and rainbows for the fight against climate change. For this case in point, I will be discussing the general diffusion of the bamboo plant, a personal favourite In my collection. The distribution of these plants has had profound effects on the environmental crisis. Bamboo being native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Latin America, and Asia, rely heavily on both globalisation and importation for these plants to be distributed amongst garden centres, plants shops, and individuals established within Western civilizations. This process of the transportation of plants, in the context of public entertainment and botany, can be linked back as far as the opening of Crystal Palace in London 1851. This exhibition was an unparalleled experience in British society, never before had an audience been able to experience both local treasures and external wonders parallel and within walking distance. Upon a tour of the exhibition in 1851 the British writer Charlotte Bronte wrote “Its grandeur does not consist in one thing, but in the unique assemblage of all things.” It is fascinating to see their marvel of what can sometimes now be considered an over-saturated and controversial circumstance.

07- Cactaceae: South America

Photograph Cactaceae

Of course, this growing trend and demand for multicultural and imported stock such as exotic plants, does have its benefits. It can help with self-expression and develop tolerance within a society suffering from social issues. However, rather ironically this phenomenon of global maritime transportation has been rapidly increasing carbon dioxide emissions, with a domino-like effect on our surroundings. Which really shouldn’t be news to anyone. As I had made clear earlier on, the argument that these plants will help purify the air, decrease, and possibly even cancel out its damage to the earth in travel time, is naive and unreasonable. Between the years 1925 and 2002 Global CO2 emissions from overseas transportation had tripled. Currently, maritime shipping scatters an estimated 940 million tonnes of CO2 a year and can be held accountable for almost 2.5% of all global greenhouse gases. This number could increase by 30% by the year 2050. Unfortunately, the act of de-globalization to help decrease this issue is too risky. With our dependence and addiction to overseas shipping, turmoil and the collapse of world trade will follow. Additionally, if we were to delve into the origin of these manufactured and mass produced plants, the vision of lush fields and picturesque scenery will soon be replaced by a process called vertical farming. This may sound sinister. However, this process is far more efficient than alternative and more traditional methods. Like any product manufactured for the consumer, companies and distributors will try and leave no room for a lack of stock. To help visualise the effects of globalization, I will be discussing the work of Brazilian sculptor, Néle Azevedo and her public installation “ice men” in Belfast, Ireland In 2014. This installation captivated passers-by as they witnessed an arguably excessive volume of small stationary men composed of ice, flooding a local stair set. Naturally, the viewers began noticing the sculptures succumb and manipulate under the heat of the sun. Questions such as “why would someone go to all that effort just for them to melt?”, “Who put them here?”, and “I wonder how long they will last?” May have been amongst the many muttered during this scene. Those adept enough to see through the ice into its politically charged context would have a sense of hopelessness as they witnessed what represented mankind melt before their eyes. Although Azeved’s intentions were not that to fight climate change, but rather to “reinforce our mortality,” And “To remind ourselves that we all die.” - (Azevedo N, 2014). The feeling of impermanence strikes deep within the cause and visualises the seemingly uninterrupted outcome that processes such as globalization generate. It was this point in case I chose to include the work of Néle Azevedo. The installation “ice men” has little regard for who you are, it will melt anyway. As does the effects of climate change if we don’t take the steps and measures to help prevent it. Here we have one collection aiding the destruction of another.

08 - Calathea Ornata: South America

09 - Calathea: Africa

Foam stamp on paper Calathea Ornata

There may be no way of stopping these companies distribute exotic plants to outlets and the general consumer, unfortunately a lot of the damage has already been done. However, due to the existing inhabitance of many of these exotic plants, there are a few ways we can stager the trend. Refrain from ordering new ornaments and propagate the ones already in your possession, if you do seek new species try to consider sourcing native plants and from local outlets, this may include neighbours, independent garden centres, and trusted local disturbers, rather than ordering online. This act of sustainable sourcing may seem insignificant, however, it might just prove to be effective in the long run. In conclusion, should we invest our time and money into living ornaments? And are there hidden costs concerning the importation of exotic plants? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t all that straightforward. Yes, these plants hold an abundance of beneficial traits and by-products that can positively affect our health, help with self-expression, and within the right circumstances “cleanse the air”. But, with the growing trend and demand for more exotic and unconventional ornaments comes a much higher rate and demand for importation. An unfortunate and ironic reality this is.

Foam stamp on paper Calathea

Knowing where your house-plants originate from is valuable knowledge. Is it worth aiding the importation of many of your favourite living ornaments, knowing the effects globalization has on our climate? Use this book and its contents to familiarise yourself with the origins of your plants. If you find your favourite ornament is from overseas, consider its propagation when expanding your collection. If you do seek alternative species try sourcing native plants and from local outlets rather then ordering online.

mygrowingcollection.myportfolio.com