WHAT? Unearthed: The Power of Gardening 

WHERE? British Library, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB

WHEN? Now until 10th August 

WHY GO?  To feel nourished. From Gertrude Jekyll’s gardening boots to The Prisoners’s Herbal, a book written by activist Nicole Rose who found joy through gardening while serving time in prison, this brilliantly researched exhibition confidently declares that gardening is transformative.

And, as with everything at the British Library, it is full of facts, figures and ancient manuscripts. 

Focusing heavily on the communal benefits of urban gardening, set as it is in the heart of London, there are videos of local community gardening teams whose lives have been enhanced by getting out in the open after a hard day grafting in the capitol. 

One of the finest botanical works ever produced, the Hortus Eystettensis  (1613), said to have revolutionised the representation of plants, invites us to marvel at the knowledge gleaned by horticulturists so long ago. 

There are scribbled horticultural notes from famous names like Beth Chatto and an actual first mechanical lawn mower (1832 ) which was reportedly tested by its inventor Edwin Budding at night to avoid the neighbours ridiculing him.  If only people were that considerate today! 

Aptly timed for Chelsea Flower Show visitors to venture north, dig deep into gardening history and soak up the woody base notes within the exhibition’s rustic garden shed entrance.

IN THE KNOW No exhibition today is complete without video interaction, and the finale invites visitors to experience the Pollinator Pathmaker, a virtual garden of wild planting seen from the perspective of the foraging insects who digitally buzz around and above. 

Created by award winning Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg, who explores the relationship between humans, tech and nature.