What is Talking Plants?
Talking Plants is an experimental exhibition in the Glasshouse Range using AI to investigate how people engage with plants. The exhibition uses information curated by Botanic Garden staff to explore an additional way for visitors to ask questions at their own pace. Using QR codes, you can ask questions to 20 fascinating plants and hear responses told from the plant’s perspective.
Who created the exhibition?
Talking Plants is a collaboration between the Botanic Garden and Nature Perspectives, a conservation organisation developing AI models, backed by science, to enable people to have meaningful conversations with the natural world. The Botanic Garden has a shared commitment with Nature Perspectives to connect people with the natural world, and this exhibition explores how AI might offer new ways to do so.
When and where does the exhibition run?
11 February – 12 April 2026 in the Glasshouse Range. The Glasshouse Range is open as normal to visitors not taking part in the exhibition.
Is it included in admission?
Yes. Talking Plants is included with normal Garden admission and you do not need to book in advance.
Who is it for?
The exhibition is for everyone! You can input your age when accessing the web app for the first time, and the information you are given will be modified accordingly.
How do I take part?
1. Scan the QR code on the pink label with your smartphone camera.
2. Enter your details to open the web app.
3. You can then interact with the plant’s perspective in any language you wish. Talk by typing or tap the microphone icon to use speech mode.
4. Tap the lightbulb icon for prompt ideas.
5. In speech mode, allow microphone access and speak when the screen turns green.
Using the menu, you can view previous chats, explore other perspectives, read more in the About section or donate to the Botanic Garden via Support Us.
Is there Wi-Fi available?
The web app will work using your smartphone’s mobile data. You can also connect to the University of Cambridge guest Wi-Fi by following the instructions here.
Will it be noisy?
It may be noisier in the Glasshouses than usual. We ask visitors taking part to be mindful of others when using the speech-to-speech mode.
Is there a map available?
A map of the exhibition points is available here and on flyers available from the Ticket Offices.
What should I ask?
We encourage you to be creative in your interactions and ask whatever you can think of! You can access suggested questions and prompts using the lightbulb button.
Are the responses scientifically accurate?
The exhibition uses information curated by our staff and draws on additional sources to answer your questions accurately. The accuracy of responses will be monitored throughout the exhibition; previous testing by Nature Perspectives has shown a very high level of accuracy.
Why not use people?
Talking Plants is an experimental exhibition using AI as a tool to investigate how people engage with plants. It is not intended to replace the expertise or personal engagement of our horticultural staff, students and volunteers, which remain central to how we interpret plants for visitors. In fact, people have been involved in every stage of developing the exhibition, from the initial research to its graphic design and promotion. The exhibition uses the information carefully curated by our staff to explore an additional way for visitors to ask questions at their own pace. The feedback we receive will inform how we encourage meaningful engagement with plants in the future.
Why use AI?
At the Botanic Garden, we aim to share the fascinating world of plants in interesting and exciting ways. To do so, we use a mixture of methods to communicate botanical and horticultural insights to visitors including signage, guided tours and volunteer student explainers. Incorporating AI through this exhibition is an opportunity to experiment with a different way visitors can interact with our collection alongside these offerings. It will also enable us to learn from visitors directly – creating an opportunity for you to tell us what you want to learn and how you like to connect with the collection.
What about the environmental impact?
Nature Perspectives operates as a carbon-positive organisation. The environmental impact of Nature Perspectives’ work is continuously monitored and will be assessed throughout the exhibition. Their data indicates that an average conversation has a carbon footprint equivalent to driving approximately 60 metres or sending one email newsletter and uses less than one cup of water. The exhibition is hosted on renewable-powered servers.
Is my data stored?
Any information is anonymised and stored in compliance with GDPR, as outlined in Nature Perspectives’ terms of use. Anonymised questions and responses may be analysed to generate insights into how people engage with the perspectives. No personally identifiable information is collected or shared.
Where can I give feedback?
Please provide feedback via our survey form.