Sixto-Juan Zavala - Chelsea Physic Garden

Rendering of LGBTQ+ Flags display

For LGBTQ+ History Month 2023, Chelsea Physic Garden collaborated with Queer Botany to look at plants, fungi and lichen through a queer lens. Queer Botany is a project initiated by Sixto-Juan Zavala that studies connections between queerness and plants through events, storytelling, and design. Since the 1400s and the expansion of western colonial powers, nature and plants have been examined through a predominantly heteronormative, European, and male point of view. The project aims to share marginalised perspectives and support more diverse representations in the environment and outdoors. We want queer and marginalised stories from culture and nature to inform our understanding of the world.

Historically, the LGBTQ+ community has often been referred to as ‘unnatural’, however, the ‘natural’ world has many characteristics that can be seen as queer. One example is the variety of plants and their sexual diversity. There is also a cultural link between queerness and the symbolism of flowering plants, which can be found in terms like ‘pansy’, or ‘a streak’ or ‘dash' of lavender.

3-colour offset printed map on recycled paper

The A Dash of Lavender logo is based on the shield and crest of the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries found on the Embankment Gate at Chelsea Physic Garden. The shield and crest depict Apollo, ancient Greek god of medicine, who has loved both men and women. In ancient times medicine was primarily derived from plants. The shield symbol is relevant because the priority of A Dash of Lavender is to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ community. The logo references Apollo in the face of the sun and replaces his bow and arrow with lavender flowers.

Intro display, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo

Trellises made of branches at Chelsea Physic Garden

It was important to use plant-based biodegradable materials throughout the exhibition. This included recycled paper, natural linen, and sustainably sourced birch plywood. The majority of the large displays utilised the existing trellises that were no longer supporting plants. Several trellises were available since the installation took place during the winter when many plants were dormant. The introduction text was displayed on a structure based on the trellises made of branches found in the Garden.

Agave plant label, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo

Ganoderma plant label, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo

February is usually a quiet time for the Garden, however, with A Dash of Lavender there was a new exhibition and series of programming that welcomed an increased number of visitors. Many of the visitors were new to the Garden. There was an increase in people visiting of 100% and an increase in young people visiting by 50%.

LGBTQ+ Flags display, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo

LGBTQ+ Flags, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo

Rendering of LGBTQ+ Scientists banners

LGBTQ+ Scientists displays, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo

Lichen display, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo

Lichen display

Time Rhizome display, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo

Guide Booklet

A guide booklet was designed to provide information about the plants and people explored in the exhibition. It also includes a map, glossary, and section on LGBTQ+ scientists. The A5 book is 20 pages long, printed with 3-spot colours on 100% recycled Cyclus Offset paper with FSC Recycled certification, in an edition of 500. It can be purchased at the Chelsea Physic Garden store in London. More on the A Dash of Lavender Guide booklet here.