The RHS has launched a new ‘What is a Weed?’ exhibit, with support from local students to try and change minds about weeds.

The exhibition will feature displays curated by students from two schools in Surrey, showcasing artwork and exhibits that explore the relationship between people and plants, beauty standards, and humanities place within the ecosystem. 

Students received support from the RHS Community Outreach team and were given access to the RHS Lindley Library collection to draw inspiration from, with particular emphasis on botanical artworks and rare 16th century ‘herbals’.

“The project has given everyone involved the chance to discover more about the history of plants and gardening and why certain plants came to be thought of as weeds,” says RHS head of libraries and exhibitions, Fiona Davison.

“By working with young people to explore the role of different plants in the ecosystem, and our attitudes to them, we can show the benefits a diverse range of plants can offer to wildlife and climate as well as health and wellbeing.”

The exhibition is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the RHS Gardens of Imagination project, and will include Herbarium specimens, original art pieces from the students, and interactive exhibits.

‘What is a Weed?’ is located in the Wisley Gallery at the RHS Garden Wisley, and opens 24 September through to 23 January.