The trip led by University of Bristol Botanic Garden volunteer guide, Ann Brake, will leave from the Arnolfini at 5.30 pm and sail through Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
During the tour people will be introduced to the historic Welsh Back Bridge and the site of Bristol’s former castle before boarding the Ballast Seed Garden to learn about the project and take a closer look at the plants.
All the plants have been grown from seeds identified as ‘incidental cargo’, brought to Bristol in the ballast holds of sailing vessels from around the world in the days when the city was a major European port, particularly between the 18th and early 20th century.
The ballast seeds have been cultivated and grown to create a floating Ballast Seed Garden using a disused grain barge, which is currently moored alongside Castle Park.
The public artwork has been developed as part of the Seeds of Change project which was conceived by Brazilian artist Maria Thereza Alves as part of the 2007 Arnolfini exhibition Port City. Bristol City Council and the University’s Botanic Garden have since worked with the artist and Arnolfini to develop the project.
Nick Wray, Curator of the Botanic Garden, said: “Unusual plant species - with names such as Squirting Cucumber and Love in the Mist - were transported to the city in the ballast holds of sailing vessels when Bristol was a major European port. The boat tour is the perfect opportunity for people to see growing a living history of Bristol.”
The Floating Ballast Seed Garden boat tour will take place on Thursday 19 June 2014 from 5.30 to 7.30 pm. Meet at Arnolfini box office.
Tickets are priced at £7, £5 concessions and advanced booking is required.
Members of the public are invited to share their photos or tweet during the trip @arnolfiniarts #ballastseed