I finally got down to the wonderful sunflower installation on South Water Street. ‘Ten Thousand Suns’ is the work of local landscape architect Adam E. Anderson, director of Design Under the Sky.
Ten Thousand Suns is a summer-long botanical performance in which over 10,000 sunflower seeds have been planted and being nurtured over the course of the summer months, on land that until recently sat under a highway, with high compaction, low-organic material, and embedded with toxicity. A portion of the performance is simply the presence of the those who have volunteered to care for the field, with no other motive then “developing” a garden/park for everyone to enjoy.
Last year was the first attempt, but planting got started a little late and the seedlings got zero rain during those first few weeks. No such problems this year — and the result is unexpected and lovely. These medium-sized sunflowers have been planted in several large curvy beds with paths that wind around the field. Tucked in here and there are bright red chairs for setting a spell.
Anderson has posted two informational signs in which he thanks his team of volunteer artists, students, and passersby. (Facebook.)
The sunflowers can be found between South Main Street and South Water Street at James Street. An easy walk from Wickenden Street. (directions)
