a flower is not a flower
2025 - ongoing
Although Haarlem has the highest density of concrete in the Netherlands, weeds persist—emerging in the cracks of asphalt, breaking through concrete, and thriving in unexpected corners. Often dismissed as nuisances, these resilient plants can in fact offer substantial health benefits and play a vital role in supporting biodiversity.
In 2012, the municipality of Haarlem stopped using chemical herbicides, opting instead for more labor-intensive methods like mechanical weeding with brushes, flame weeding, hot water treatments, and brush cutters. This shift came with a price: in 2013, weed control costs exceeded two million euros, and by 2017, the city allocated an additional €400,000 to the effort.
This raises critical questions. Are these efforts justified? Especially when many of the plants being removed are beneficial to both the environment and public health? The replacement of native weeds with ornamental, pesticide-dependent plants also pose serious risks to pollinators and the broader ecosystem.
To better understand this tension, I explored Haarlem and documented the presence of weeds through photography. By converting the images into negatives—where greens and yellows shift into purples and blues—I simulate how pollinators might perceive these plants, offering a fresh visual perspective. In addition, I experiment with the practical uses of weeds. From making skin oil out of dandelions to using plants in anthotype printing and natural dyeing processes, I highlight the often-overlooked potential of these species.
This project aims to spark a wider conversation among citizens and policymakers. By shifting how we see weeds—from invasive intruders to valuable resources—we can support biodiversity, minimize harmful interventions, and explore the many health and environmental benefits native plants can offer, from teas and oils to balms and food products.
It is time to give the power back to weed.
