Gardening towards the Symbiocene: exploring human-invasive alien plant species alliances through discursive artifact

Invasive alien plant species (IAPs), spread through human activity, pose a significant 
threat to biodiversity and cause substantial harm. This project investigates the human 
role in this global challenge, using a more than human design (MTHD) approach. The
research explores how a material driven design approach can visualize and encourage 
collaboration between humans and IAPs.
Gardening serves as a metaphor for a design practice that, in collaboration with IAPs, 
imagines and shapes regenerative futures. Through this approach, we explore 
alternative strategies and scenarios regarding IAPs, grounded in care, co-creation, and 
co-existence, contributing to the broader vision of the Symbiocene. 
These gardening practices are shaped through the design of discursive artifacts: new 
tools, objects, interventions and narratives that aim to raise public awareness and 
encourage stakeholder involvement. Public engagement is key for transformative 
change; therefore, we employ a transdisciplinary and participatory process.
This research advances societal understanding of IAPs by exploring their socio-cultural 
dimensions, increasing ecological awareness, and inspiring regenerative strategies to 
address related challenges. Examining the role of materials in MTHD practices allows 
this research to develop novel design approaches for tackling contemporary socioecological challenges