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
Intro display, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo
Trellises made of branches at Chelsea Physic Garden
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
Agave plant label, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo
Ganoderma 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 display, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo
LGBTQ+ Flags, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo
LGBTQ+ Flags, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo
LGBTQ+ Flags, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo
LGBTQ+ Flags, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo
Rendering of LGBTQ+ Scientists banners
LGBTQ+ Scientists displays, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo
LGBTQ+ Scientists displays, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo
LGBTQ+ Scientists displays, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo
LGBTQ+ Scientists displays, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo
Lichen display, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo
Lichen display, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo
Lichen display
Lichen display
Time Rhizome display, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo
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.

Guide book printed in 3 spot-colours on recycled paper

Programming
Poetry reading social media post
Poetry reading social media post
Writing workshop social media post
Writing workshop social media post
Drawing session social media post
Drawing session social media post
Queer Botanical Poetry Reading, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo
Queer Botanical Poetry Reading, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo
Queer Botanical Poetry Reading, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo
Queer Botanical Poetry Reading, Photo by Fikayo Adebajo
Queer Botanical Drawing Session
Queer Botanical Drawing Session
Chelsea Physic Garden
A Dash of Lavender 2023
Identity, Exhibition, Publication, Research, Writing
Deputy Director, Visitor Experience: Frances Sampayo
Head of Learning and Public Engagement: Katy Parry
Public Programme Manager: Elli Dimaki
Head Gardener: Nell Jones
Marketing Manager: Rachel Bates
Commercial Director: Tom Gilliford

Making and Installation: Rosa Pascual
Botanical Drawing Sessions Facilitator: Edward Luke Thrush
Writing workshops Facilitator: LiLi K. Bright
Evening Botanist Panelists: Maymana Arefin & Andy Marks
Poets: Linden McMahon, Tom McLaughlin, & SZ Shao
Poetry Reading Host: Bella Cox
Poetry BSL Interpreter: Peter Abraham
Map Printing and Folding: Aldgate Press
Fabric Printing: Prinfab
Plant Labels UV Printing: Bespoke Laser UK
Special Thanks: Andy Stevens and Xavi Llark Font