Ever wondered what happens to the tens of thousands of plants and tonnes of landscaping materials no longer needed by exhibitors at the end of RHS Chelsea Flower Show?
Well wonder no more: this year they will be rescued and used to transform The Jetty on Greenwich Peninsula into a floating garden and cultural space, boasting unrivalled panoramic views of the River Thames.
Farmopolis is the brainchild of a unique partnership between Secret Productions, the co-founders of Wilderness Festival and Wayward, the UK’s leading art-design-farming practice.
Having been selected as the Official Reuse Partner of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2016, Farmopolis will be using reclaimed plants from the show to construct a lush green oasis on The Jetty.
The metamorphosis will be created using high-tech polytunnels, made with materials similar to those used for The Eden Project.
The project will include a café and a performance space, with a broad range of events scheduled to take place here during the summer and beyond. Heather Ring, Director of Wayward says: “We’re really excited to be putting down roots to create a genuinely sustainable and reinvigorated community around farming, food and culture – one that will continue to grow and bring the countryside to London’s most urban environments.”
Originally designed as an unloading point for coal destined for Blackwall Point Power Station, The Jetty’s future is firmly fixed on becoming a destination for art and culture, as well as a vibrant spot for dining and evening drinks.
Past summers have seen it host exclusive, site-specific performances as well as pop-up bars and restaurants, but Farmopolis is its most ambitious project yet.
Following The Jetty’s evolution from classic concrete pier to verdant river garden, Farmopolis will be open for between 12-15 months, running a full programme of events, as well as being available for private hire.
Over the summer Farmopolis will play host to a diverse range of happenings including, talks and debates, experiential supper clubs, literary salons, folk jams and contemporary performance.
Weekend workshops will transform The Jetty into a hub of creativity and wellbeing.
Farmopolis is the result of the ongoing five-year partnership between Secret Productions and Wayward.
SECRET PRODUCTIONS LTD is a global market leader in the independent events industry. As co-creators of multi-award winning, cutting-edge, lifestyle and culture-driven projects, including Secret Garden Party (2009-2013) and Wilderness Festival, the company’s innovative and ground-breaking programming have been recognised worldwide. They bring more than a decade of experience and know-how to Farmopolis on The Jetty.
WAYWARD is an internationally award-winning and acclaimed collective of designers, artists and urban growers. The London-based chartered landscape, art and architecture practice has pioneered new methodologies in the creative use of underused land and buildings since 2006. They transform forgotten sites into large-scale, design-driven spaces, that engage local communities and inspire international audiences.
Event contributors will include Rountable Global, Literary Death Match, Mahogany Sessions, Quodo Workshops, AVM Curiosities, Electric Daisy Flower Farm with more soon to be announced.
Farmopolis are also looking for volunteers to help them pot, nourish and tend to the huge variety of plants they’ve rescued. They have regular morning and afternoon slots and 6 volunteer days planned before launch and would love to see you there. For more information please let them know you’re a resident and email them at [email protected]