Themed Plot Allocations | Living Exhibitions at Canoe Lake

Themed plots will be allocated to individuals, organisations, and community groups passionate about sharing knowledge through nature. These contributors will curate their spaces with carefully chosen plants, informative displays, and interactive elements, ensuring that each plot is both visually striking and educational.

Themed Plot Allocation Initiative 2025

Themed Plot Allocations: Living Exhibitions at Canoe Lake

At Southsea Green, every garden bed tells a story. As we step into Spring, we are excited to launch a pioneering initiative that will transform our growing spaces into immersive, educational exhibits. The Themed Plot Allocation Initiative will invite local artists, educators, historians, and community groups to collaborate in creating unique garden plots—each one an interactive showcase of plants, culture, and a living exhibition.

From historical plant uses to ecological conservation, from textile production to traditional
medicine, these themed plots will serve as living exhibitions, deepening public engagement
with the natural world. Whether visitors come to learn, reflect, or simply enjoy the beauty of a well-tended garden, each themed space will offer an opportunity to connect with nature in new and inspiring ways.

Bringing History, Art, and Ecology to Life

Themed plot allocation takes gardening beyond traditional cultivation, turning it into a form
of storytelling. Each bed will be dedicated to a specific theme, with accompanying signage,
workshops, and interactive elements to enhance public engagement.

For example, one plot might explore the ancient medicinal plants used in Portsmouth’s
maritime history, showcasing herbs that sailors relied on for health and well-being. Another
could highlight plants in folklore and mythology, displaying species with deep cultural
significance across different societies.

A standout example of this concept is our collaboration with Alice Hume of Vanderhume, a
Hotwalls Studios artist who previously transformed a Southsea Green plot into a flax-
growing space. Visitors witnessed the journey from seed to fibre, learning how the plant was
harvested, spun into yarn, and woven into textiles. The project blended agriculture,
craftsmanship, and sustainability, demonstrating the timeless relationship between nature and
creative expression.

A Collaborative Approach to Growing

Southsea Green has always thrived on collaboration, and this initiative continues that
tradition. Themed plots will be allocated to individuals, organisations, and community groups passionate about sharing knowledge through nature. These contributors will curate their spaces with carefully chosen plants, informative displays, and interactive elements, ensuring that each plot is both visually striking and educational.

We are excited to welcome partners from:

• Local museums and historical societies – bringing Portsmouth’s rich past to life through heritage gardens.

• Artists and creative collectives – using plants as both inspiration and medium for natural artistry.

• Environmental groups – championing conservation efforts through pollinator gardens and native species displays.

• Schools and educators – engaging students with hands-on learning experiences outside the classroom.

Together, we will cultivate a diverse, knowledge-rich environment where history, science, and creativity intertwine.

Themed plots will not only be beautiful but also interactive. Visitors can explore each garden bed while engaging in workshops, guided tours, and hands-on activities tailored to their theme. Signs placed around the garden will link to deeper resources, allowing guests to access historical facts, botanical information, and creative inspirations. Throughout the summer, Southsea Green will also host weekly art groups and garden groups inside the garden. We invite partners to host one event, talk, or workshop per year in relation to their garden space.

Why Themed Plots?

Themed garden beds serve as powerful educational tools, offering visitors a hands-on way to explore topics such as:

• Biodiversity & Pollinators: See first hand how native wildflowers support bees, butterflies,
and other vital pollinators.

• Cultural Gardens: Explore plants from different global traditions, highlighting Portsmouth’s rich diversity and the traditions of its communities.

• Sustainable Textiles: Discover how plants like indigo, madder, and flax have been used for centuries to create natural dyes and fibres.

• Wild Edibles & Foraging: Learn about the plants growing in our surroundings that are both nutritious and historically significant.

By allocating themed plots to different groups, artists, or educators, Southsea Green fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration, bringing together experts from various fields to share knowledge, skills, and creative insight.

Plot Allocation Form

Looking Ahead: A Garden That Grows with Purpose

The Themed Plot Allocation Initiative represents a new chapter for Southsea Green—one that deepens our commitment to education, sustainability, and community collaboration. By transforming our growing spaces into dynamic, storytelling landscapes, we aim to cultivate a richer appreciation of plants, their histories, and their role in our world today.

With deep roots in Southsea’s past and a vision firmly set on the future, we invite our city’s creatives, educators, and nature enthusiasts to help shape this next evolution. The act of growing has always been about more than just plants—it’s about preserving knowledge, fostering connection, and inspiring new ideas.

If you think you have what it takes to establish a plot, please fill out the form below and we will be in touch soon.