Thank you for having us in conversation Oliver Vodeb: Seed Balls as a Relational Design Method

In this episode, Alexandra Crosby, Ilaria Vanni, and Oliver Vodeb explore ideas around expanded permaculture design and relational design ecology objects. Their conversation is grounded in DIY design tactics that seek to connect us to the plant world — and to each other — in meaningful, relational ways. They also discuss plant literacy and share insights from a special project involving seed balls, revealing how these become “campaign objects” for environmental and social engagement… and much more.

While we clearly see the devastating effects of human disregard for nature and design driven by profit in relation to our natural environment, Alexandra Crosby and Ilaria Vanni are developing design approaches that foster sensibility, knowledge, and a non-extractive relationality with the natural world — and, through this, with each other.

Their chapter, titled Seed Balls as Method, which inspired our conversation, develops arguments for conscious engagement with the plant world, based on plant literacy and a plant-led critical relationship with the urban environment. In doing so, they present a framework and method that are helpful, enlightening, and empowering.

The beauty of seed balls is that anyone can make them. Seed Balls as Method offers concrete tools to think and act in ways that give both plants and ourselves new forms of agency.

If you want to read the whole chapter in Radical Intimacies, Designing Non-Extractive Relationalities, find more about the book: here.