The British Library’s exhibition, “Unearthed: The Power of Gardening,” showcases the history of gardening from ancient Anglo-Saxon texts to modern-day practices like guerrilla gardening. It features the lawnmower’s evolution and illustrates the intertwining of gardening with social history and culture, touching on themes of colonialism and slavery. The exhibition runs until August 2025 and encourages a shift towards biodiverse gardening.
A new exhibition at the British Library in London dives deep into the intriguing history of gardening, showcasing how it evolved from practical food production to modern ornamental spaces. Notably featured is the lawnmower, a radical invention from nearly 200 years ago that its creator once tested under the cover of night to avoid mockery from neighbours.
Historically, gardens served as sites for growing food that required less space, offering beauty alongside utility. However, with urbanisation, these gardens faced decline until the 20th century when suburban expansion led to the back garden becoming a decorative area. This shift aligned with the rise of convenience stores selling food, diminishing the need for home cultivation.
This exhibition charts the journey of gardening from the earliest Anglo-Saxon texts to contemporary concepts like guerrilla gardening and rewilding. Most of the display focuses on the literature surrounding gardening, showcasing beautifully illustrated books filled with drawings of plants and techniques. But it also weaves the personal stories of gardeners throughout history.
From medieval gardeners to modern enthusiasts merging organic gardening with aesthetics, the exhibition is teeming with fascinating tidbits. For instance, dandelions were once referred to as “piss-a-bed” because of their diuretic properties. Tudor monarchs even watered wilting peach trees with wine – imagine if that still happened today!
An unexpected revelation was that many Caribbean slaves were allotted small patches for personal use after their exhausting work. Whether this was a benevolent gesture or a strategy by slave owners to reduce their own fuel costs remains a point of contention. The display also sheds light on how the British Empire often sidelined local knowledge in favour of British scientists who received the accolades for botanical discoveries.
Although many illustrated books featured unknown artists, rendering their contributions invisible, their beauty is undeniable. Visitors may find themselves motivated to explore diverse and decorative plant options in their own gardens. The lawnmower, while creating easy-to-maintain lawns, has also led to gardens becoming stark jungles of grass, lacking in biodiversity.
Ultimately, this exhibition, Unearthed: The Power of Gardening, prompts a re-evaluation of our gardening habits. Perhaps it will inspire more people to lean into the charm of cottage gardens, especially during initiatives like “no-mow May.”
With over 20 million gardens across Britain, the potential for a shift towards richer, more diverse gardening practices is immense.
The exhibition runs until August 2025 with tickets priced at £15, or cheaper for concessions. Details about purchasing tickets are available on the British Library’s site.
The exhibition at the British Library provides an extensive look into the evolution of gardening, highlighting its complex relationship with social history and culture. It reveals profound insights into past gardening practices, including those shaped by the legacies of colonialism and slavery. Ultimately, it encourages a shift towards more biodiverse and personal gardening styles in contemporary society, making it a must-visit for garden enthusiasts and historians alike.
Original Source: www.ianvisits.co.uk