For BLADE, a techno festival, I wanted to create a green arch that people could walk through, with plants growing on the inside. By surrounding visitors with plants in such close proximity, I aimed to evoke a sense of immersion in nature - making it easy to feel our connection to the natural world while also providing a shelter from the vibrant festival atmosphere. Festival guests could take a break from the intense lights, breathe, and touch the small, soft plants.

But during the preparation days, it was so cold (in June!) that nothing sprouted.

I did everything, to keep the seeds warm, especially during the nights, where the temperature would go down to 4 degrees Celsius. I added tarps underneath, and flooded them with warm water between the layers. Then I covered the seeds on the top, nothing helped, only a few seeds germinated, but it was far from what I wanted to achieve. 

And when I came home, I found this: 

Before I left, I already soaked the seeds in water, so they start germinating. To not transport unnecessary amounts of water by bike, I tried to squeeze out the water. This was especially hard with the slimy chia seeds. They sticked onto the towel, which I then just left in the container. Since it was warm enough, and enough water there, this little mini plantopium welcomed me when I came home. 

MY LEARNING

That I am working with nature, I knew before. But this experience made it clear again - I can't control certain circumstances, which control my work. Plants are alive, even when they are seeds. It is nothing where I push a button and things grow. 

Being reminded was really important - So when things grow now, I am even more thankful.