The Little Book Of Little Gardens
About- Foreword
- Blog
- Photographs
- Facebook
- Available from
- Credits
- Der City-Gärtner
- Contact
-
About
The Little Book of Little Gardens is an artistic demonstration and playful collection by Steve Wheen, the internationally acclaimed ‘Pothole Gardener', whom The Sun describes as the "Banksy of guerrilla gardening".
This collection brings his best work to life, creating a photographic journey through some of London's most iconic locations. These tiny gardens are sure enough to brighten anyone's day and cause imaginations to wander. Initially begun as a simple way to beautify Wheen's East London neighbourhood, these little gardens have captured the attention of the world.
More of his work can be seen here.
A selection of recent press can be seen here.
Published by Dokument Press - info@dokument.org
ISBN 978-91-85639-54-0
-
Foreword
There is a simple genius to Steve Wheen’s pothole gardens. With nothing more than soil, flowering plants, and a few miniature props, he is able to stop his audience – AKA general passers by – in their tracks. This is no mean feat when it comes to our busy city streets. As pedestrians, we’re conditioned to keep our heads low, our eyes downcast and our minds elsewhere as we navigate our urban world.
We’ve always got some place to go and somewhere else to be. And, while we’re getting to wherever it is we are already five-minutes late for, the experience is rarely pleasant. We’re bombarded with advertising promising us a better life or playing on our fears. We’re assaulted by the sight and stench of last night’s vomit and pavements streaked with urine and whatever has been left behind by sly dog owners too lazy to pick up after their animals. We’re tripped-up, elbowed and jostled by the crowds. We stick headphones in our ears, hoping that our own personal soundtrack will take us anyplace far away from where we are right at that moment.
If someone does manage to distract us while we rush from A to B, it’s often because they want something. Spare change, directions to Big Ben or a brief moment to press a leaflet into our hands in the hope that they might save our souls, teach us salsa or offer a two-for-one at the greasy pizza place down the next lane. It’s no wonder that suspicion is our default position for such encounters. We have no patience, we resent the disruption and our collective benevolence is rare.
So, what is it about Steve’s pothole gardens that breaks us out of this well-trodden rut and touches us so deeply? Is it that he’s actually spent some time in the same spot on the street? Is it the narrative of his gardens? Or perhaps it’s the empty chairs and tables that our imagination lets us believe could’ve once been home to the modern-day Borrowers or the cast of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids? Perhaps we’re merely in awe of his idea – and the fact that he’s taken the time to implement it. Ultimately, however, all the questions raised by these little gardens are subjective and personal.
I find it interesting that Steve is so often compared to infamous street artist Banksy. On the surface, it’s easy to understand why. Both operate in predominantly urban environments. Both use public infrastructure as their canvases. And the authorities sanction neither Banksy’s art nor Steve’s gardens. It’s the motivation behind the creations, however, where the two differ.
Bansky’s work comes from a place of anger and frustration. His pieces are, more often than not, political protests, illustrating silly ironies, contradictions and hypocrisies. His identity is purposefully guarded, he’s staunchly anti-capitalist and he risks arrest each time he grabs for his spraycan. Steve, on the other hand, is not trying to make a political statement, though most people viewing his gardens assume that he’s an ecowarrior or that he’s demonstrating in silence (and beauty) against the local council and their neglect for road maintenance. But, despite the fact that he refers to himself as a guerrilla gardener, his reasons are much simpler.
Born in Australia into an outdoorsy, gardening mad family, growing up Steve loved nothing more than to potter about in the backyard. It also helped that a love of horticulture was in his blood – Steve’s grandfather was the first person to cultivate red-trumpeted daffodils. So, it’s easy to understand why leaving this kind of life to live in London could come as quite a shock.
Of course, London is an amazing city, but space is most definitely a premium and you spend much more time indoors than out. Most people put up with pokey homes with little or no garden or balcony, but not Steve. Instead of allowing himself to be confined by the four walls of his flat, he decided to do something about it. And thus armed with his knowledge and love of plants and the ubiquitous supply of potholes and other cracks in the pavement around his Hackney home, The Pothole Gardener was born.
With a new way of looking at poorly maintained infrastructure, every dent, folded and mottled slab of bitumen he could find in East London has had a make over, temporary or otherwise. Instead of rueing a missing paving stone or tut-tutting at eroded nooks and crannies in the pavement, Steve thought of new and ever more elaborate ways of fashioning his small-scale worlds. And, what started as a weekend project has now become something of a phenomenon, attracting local and international media attention and a legion of fans, including me.
For Steve, it’s the reaction of the people who encounter his gardens that has been the most surprising. On the street, people have been known to take pictures, steal his flowers and stop and stare . His little gardens have attracted all sorts of animals, including inquisitive pigeons, skittish squirrels and their fair share of dogs. People have shaken their heads in wonder, smiled wryly and run over his gardens with their cars. Some have promised to water his flowers and protect his plants. Online, his videos and blog posts have been shared countless times, from fellow bloggers the world over and local publications to media juggernauts such as The Independent, CNN and Oprah.
The reasons for his success are obvious. Steve’s little gardens are beautiful, ephemeral and whimsical. I’ve been privileged to go pothole gardening with him a couple of times, and I’m always amazed at how his creations make me and the others who gather to watch us so purely happy. It’s because he’s giving us something innocent and unsullied. And it’s because he wants nothing back from us in return. His simple creations are a reminder of the good in people and they make us present and appreciative of our world. And there in lies his genius.
Kate McAuley - www.i-am-not-a-celebrity.com
April 2012
-
Posts
- May 23, 13
With The Chelsea Fringe in full swing, I recently got down and dirty in Chelsea to create this little garden in the shadow of Battersea Power Station. If you’re in London, check out what they’re up to.
I’ve just been sent this great little garden from New Zealand. Thanks so much, it’s wonderful! I’ve begun a pothole garden map of the world to map all of the wonderful pothole gardens sent to me, why not get out gardening and then add your creation to the map?
Join me on Facebook, YouTube, Google+ and Twitter.
www.thelittlebookoflittlegardens.com
- May 19, 13
I had a wonderful email from Udo Reichle-Röber last week, entitled “Our roads are crumbling. So we let them flourish …” It seems another keen pothole gardener has popped up, this time in Northern Germany.
Have a look at his great little gardens and some of the attention he has been receiving.
Here’s his great little video.
Join me on Facebook, YouTube, Google+ and Twitter.
www.thelittlebookoflittlegardens.com
- May 13, 13
These lovely little gardens were sent to me recently from Hong Kong. They were part of TEDXHappyValley, and were part of a micro series which included a MicroVillage, some MicroDesign, a selection of MicroGraphics, a MicroTalk and a MicroInstallation.
The series momentarily transformed a colourful lane way in Tai Hang into micro-galleries. A small part of the community who were initially grumpy at the installation, are now loving it and want it to remain there!
I understand a local builder has now taken to watering the pothole gardens!
For more information on the installation check out TEDXHappyValley.
Join me on Facebook, YouTube, Google+ and Twitter.
www.thelittlebookoflittlegardens.com
- Apr 24, 13
A new little installation has just been sent to me by some keen gardeners in New Zealand, this time to remind passerby’s of the significance of ANZAC day. What a wonderful idea.
Join me on Facebook, YouTube, Google+ and Twitter.
www.thelittlebookoflittlegardens.com
- Apr 15, 13
While National Gardening Week kicks off this week in the UK, here is a lovely little garden I’ve just been sent all the way from New Zealand!
It was created near a footpath in Otaki. Love the little washing basket and mini pegs, thanks for sending it to me.
Join me on Facebook, YouTube, Google+ and Twitter.
www.thelittlebookoflittlegardens.com
- Apr 02, 13
I was recently in (very chilly) Stockholm and decided to flex my green fingers to create a simple little garden near the harbour.
Join me on Facebook, YouTube, Google+ and Twitter.
www.thelittlebookoflittlegardens.com
- Jan 21, 13
The weather recently hasn’t exactly been enticing for pothole gardening (although last year I braved the snow for a little white garden).
However the wintery conditions didn’t deter the 1001 Club from a spot of pothole gardening recently – check out their great pics!
Today is officially the most depressing day of the year (who am I to argue with Wikipedia). However, did you know recent City and Guilds research found those working in horticulture to be the happiest in their jobs? Today the RHS are promoting careers in Horticulture. Check out their site for more information.
Here’s my little film Holes of Happiness (just in case you missed it) that might cheer you up today
Join me on Facebook, YouTube, Google+ and Twitter.
www.thelittlebookoflittlegardens.com
- Dec 17, 12
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a little festive garden, would it?
I created this little garden in London Fields, complete with everything you need at Christmas time: presents, a TV, crackers, Christmas stockings, decorations, a Yule Log and of course a Christmas Tree.
I also wanted to remind people that some people do it rough at Christmas, why not support a charity like SHELTER this festive season.
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Join me on Facebook, YouTube, Google+ and Twitter.
www.thelittlebookoflittlegardens.com
- Dec 17, 12
This has been an epic year on the blog, and I thought I’d take some time to reflect on 2012. It all kicked off with my short documentary, Holes of Happiness, getting an incredible response on my YouTube channel, piling up over 200,000 views…
I then headed to Milan Design Week (thanks to Lancia) with filmmaker and partner in crime Ms McCokindale, to create a series of gardens for the opening days of the festival. It was quite a challenge (25 gardens in 2 days) but I managed to create some of my favourite gardens to date. From the arts to fashion to music to art, my little gardens reflected all things Italian.
I was also lucky enough to be invited to speak at some cool events, including TED in Hackney, The Lost Lectures and The Secret Garden Party. I’ve almost managed to get over my fear of public speaking
I had the opportunity to pothole garden with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. What an experience that was. I must say she was a lovely, lovely gardening companion and she had a wonderful sense of humour. Next time we go gardening together she promised to bring Charlie…
I organised a few walks over summer, taking out keen pothole gardeners. The first walk was part of the Chelsea Fringe (we also ran a cycle powered garden themed film festival at Hackney City Farm) and the second walk was part of Koppaberg’s unestablishment series of events in East London.
This little project has taken roots all over the world – from Quebec to Broome to The Hague to Colgne to Eastborne, I’ve had pothole gardens sent to me from all over the world. I’ve posted many of them on this dedicated page.
The Olympics took over East London, and so did a series of little sporting fields…
And, of course, my little book of little gardens was published last month by Dokument press. The book launch was a blast, and I even managed to squish people so they were small enough to fit in my miniature gardens…
Here’s the trailer for the book:
Thank you to everyone for their support, keep on gardening!
Join me on Facebook, YouTube, Google+ and Twitter.
www.thelittlebookoflittlegardens.com
- Dec 11, 12
The Barbican is an iconic London landmark and also home to my latest little garden…
I’ve been sent two new awesome little gardens recently – Julia Keim included a deck chair for a tired farmer…
And this one from Sydney, Australia includes real alfalfa!
Keep those gardens coming in – I’ve got some more copies of my books to give away
Join me on Facebook, YouTube, Google+ and Twitter.
www.thelittlebookoflittlegardens.com
-
Photos
-
Wall
- A lovely little garden from New Zealand...
- Wondering what to wear to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this week?
- Some wonderful gardens from Northern Germany...
- Happy little gardens all the way from Happy Valley...lovely.
- Check out my biking accident from the other week. Be careful on the road everyone... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxkqwO-QOoQ
- Good luck to all the London Marathon runners! Here's an installation I came across yesterday in Walthamstow. Amazing! All in support of: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=TomGrant
- The Pothole Gardener, now on Google+. Come join me :) https://plus.google.com/b/110888579343840680831/110888579343840680831/posts
- The Little Book Of Little Gardens, now available in German... http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/3835410784/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=3835410784&linkCode=as2&tag=thepothgard-21%22%3EDer%20City-G%C3%A4rtner
- It's almost spring here in the UK, finally!! It must be time to start preparing some pothole gardens...any ideas?
- Hope everyone got through Blue Monday OK :) http://thepotholegardener.com/2013/01/21/blue-monday/
- Any ideas for a little festive garden?
- Photos from the book launch
- The Little Book of Little Gardens is now on sale! A nice stocking filler for Christmas perhaps? http://www.thelittlebookoflittlegardens.com/
- Here is the trailer for my little book of little gardens... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrA1-OaM_4U&feature=plcp
-
Available from
- The Little Book Of Little Gardens is now available to buy online through:
-
Credits
- Thanks to these very talented people for their contributions to this book.Kate McAuley (who wrote the foreword) www.i-am-not-a-celebrity.comHeidi Helyard (who layed out the book) www.bluewoodstudio.com.auStephanie Wolff (took many of the photos including the front cover) - www.londoninsight.wordpress.com/Cheyne McCokindale (photography and finger model)Tom Lovell (photography and fellow gardener)Peter Richardson (photography and fellow gardener)
-
Der City-Gärtner
.
