wildr
A self-directed research design project that seeks to encourage the planting of native-Albertan wildflowers in gardening practices to achieve small-scale reconciliations to improve our relationship with our local environment through.
The development of a streamlined and user-friendly application and/or website that facilitates various levels from educating to purchasing to connecting with other planters would encourage the planting of native wildflowers and plants.
Dr. Natasha Myers proposes the concept of the Planthroposcene as an replacement term for our current epoch, the Anthropocene. The Anthropos, Greek for human, centralizing on the existence and impact of man often brings bouts of apocalyptic thinking.
Myers draws upon Indigenous Knowledges and coins the term the Planthroposcene to pull away from this idea of the human as the central figure. Rather she suggests that we have a responsibility in making space for, establishing and maintaining symbiotic relationships with plants and animals to encourage positive interactions with our communities (both human and non-human). Collaboration with local Indigenous communities is central and key aspect to this project.
This project I propose stems from this concept of the Planthroposcene in an accessible way, bridging the gap between scholarly theory and everyday application of knowledge.
The website/app will allow users to learn about the importance of introducing native plants into their gardens, the Indigenous cultural significance and purpose of specific plants, instructions and regulations for planting, and spaces to connect and share with fellow gardeners.
