Plants have an innate ability to heal, both on a medicinal level and an environmental one. I am interested in this concept of ‘healing’ plants as a physical and symbolic metaphor of redemption, especially in our current age of climate change and the anthropocene.

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Riparian planting is the practice of restoring the ecology of spaces alongside waterways such as rivers, through the planting of often native plant species. These plants help with preventing soil erosion through the strengthening of banks, and ensure waterways are kept clean by filtering pollutants through their root systems.1 Native plants are often used in riparian restoration efforts as they protect the fragile riparian ecosystem from often harmful introduced species.2 The botanical reintroduction of these plants in remediation efforts, is a chance to restore the ecology of these sites to their original states before human interference.

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Throughout art history, symbols have been utilised metaphorically to convey deeper and hidden meanings in various works. Art, literature and cinema often use significant icons such as trees and rivers to communicate allegorical meanings. The symbol of a river, or water in general, is seen as a metaphor for life as well as a signifier of liminality or a visual division between two places.3 Trees were often painted in religious scenes to represent redemption and sin. The verdant tree in full bloom symbolises future redemption.4 I am particularly interested in this metaphor of trees symbolising future redemption in regard to riparian and restorative planting. These replanting efforts are a redemptive bid to help combat issues of water health and climate change.

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Riparian plants can be viewed as important metaphorical symbols for future redemption. Through ecological restoration efforts, the healing nature of these plants is recognised, both on an environmental level and an important cultural and spiritual one.

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1 “What are the Benefits of Riparian Planting?,” Rural Design, October 7, 2015, https://www.ruraldesign.co.nz/new-and-views/2015/10/7/what-are-the-benefits-of-riparian-planting.

2 Basia Irland, “Ice Receding/Books Reseeding,” Youtube Video, 16:20, March 15, 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyL4CSJzqiE.

3 Adriano D’Aloia, “Film in Depth. Water and Immersivity in the Contemporary Film Experience,” ACTA Univ. Sapientiae, Film and Media Studies 5, (2012): 100.

4 Lucia Impelluso, “Tree,” in Nature and Its Symbols, trans. Stephen Sartarelli (Los Angeles: Getty Publications, 2004), 16-17.