Nature - Culture. Has London made a Connection among the two?

Nature - Culture. Has London made a Connection among the two?

Joanna Nowosad

London, England has transformed an empty concrete space into a nature lover’s paradise. Since early in the 50’s it was a market for trade, barter and interchange of ideas through similar passions for the natural world. Natural world in this sense, meaning rare plants, flowers and trees. From the busy hustle and bustle of busy London comes this small street, in an alley that transforms into a market filled with exotic colours, not only from the natural specimens but the people themselves. The individuals that work here demonstrate an excitement for their job as they yell rhymes, meet and greet newcomers and interact with one another.

Interestingly, although this is a market and the bottom line is capital, the regulars don’t treat it that way. To those that visit it, it can be an escape from the real world into a natural jungle with exotic plants and flowers. To those that work there, it is a wonderful place to enhance and expand their horticultural knowledge. “These people eat, sleep and breathe gardening. When plants and flowers are a passion, then even picking flowers 16 hours a day in the rain seems a pleasure," George Gladwell, the market representative adds.

Now let’s stop and think for a moment. Do you think those living and working in the busy city centre of London think about connectivity with wildlife and nature? Are they interested in being involved in that under the concrete they walk on? Do they care? Do they even notice? These are themes that have passed us by in our lecture, especially those when dealing with nature and culture. When hearing Peter Fruchter’s story many don’t understand his way of thinking and understanding of the natural world. Is this because of our constant interactions with advanced technology? I think so. This street in London has no ties with technology, other than that which the buyers bring in with them. The market vender's are there to enjoy and share their passion for nature and gardening and not necessarily for making that extra buck. Interestingly enough, when Jewish immigrants expanded this market, they were interested in market value and commodity, yet today, although that continues to be present, the horticulturalists are there just to enjoy being nature – cultured.