Method

I used a variety of strategies to map the layers of a specific greenhouse. I simply sat in the greenhouse and wrote down the various sounds, along with their frequency and volume. I strolled around the area to shoot pictures of it, then walked around the greenhouse to capture it from the outside. I searched for the various creatures that live there. To see this buried layer of dirt, I opened the vast layer of hedge bindweed. I tracked the insects with my father and talked about the history of the location with him and my grandma.

‘Ethnobotany is the study of relationships between plants and people and of how various cultures use their local plant communities, especially as medicine. Ethnobotany can engage students in multidisciplinary activities that involve human interactions in ecosystems and connect them with their local communities’ (Caryn Babaian)

This explanation was found in the article The Power of Plants by Caryn Babaian and Paul Twigg. Some of the examples that were mentioned there I tried. They talk about drawing plants and spending time in a certain place. I couldn’t draw the flowers in a direct form. I used pictures to draw from because most flowers couldn’t be found at that time.

I compiled a book including all of the information I gained from this place. The book isn't arranged in any particular order. I'd want to invite the audience to create their own. I can't and don't want to give importance to certain information.

My grandmother was supposed to be my main collaborator. It wasn't as simple as it seems. My grandmother suffers from dementia, which is why I wanted to work with her; the knowledge she has will soon be lost while she is still physically here. It was difficult to get in touch with her about this. I tried a variety of methods, including a standard interview, talking with her while watching television, sharing labor, and looking through photo books together. It doesn't mean it was a failure, in my opinion. Mostly with my father, I discussed the greenhouse's history.

These different kinds of information are of importance since there will be significant changes in farmland in the future, and how will we deal with this? What do we take into account, and what do we leave out? When we talk about plants, animals, insects, history, and knowledge, how can we define and decide importance?