Plantings #2

Footprints #2

A series of six images showing fresh plantings of eco-sourced Harakeke (phormium tenex) and Kahikatea (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides). Text beneath describes location, date and time.

The implication is that a participant is walking and leaves a trail of plants as evidence of footprints. 

Movement through the forest garden leaves tracks. Animal tracks are evident by the signs of ground disturbance, human tracks by markers and cut trails. Bird tracks are more subtle. Their trails are evident by the plants that emerge as signs that seeds were dropped. 

Borrowing from geo-caching, this performative piece invites participation. The eco-sourced plant selection uses plants which are a food source for the native birds to visit and bring seeds from the deep forest.  To re-establish disrupted bird movement paths. 

We all leave footprints, noticeable or not, aware or unaware. In an ecological context these footprints either promote positive or negative feedback loops. Positive reinforcers the current condition, ie runaway greenhouse effect, negative, retards the process.  This piece encourages a negative feedback loop.