London: Crossing the Thames (& gaining a new set of eyes)

An email conversation between myself and my good friend Bikram, who spends 3 out of 4 weeks in London on business, who keeps an online journal capturing offbeat and often amusing observations culled from his everyday adventures, who is a fan of Urban Plant Research, and who was excited to share a photograph he had recently taken:

“I was crossing the Thames on the newish Golden Jubilee walkway, which runs alongside some railway tracks. A completely industrial and metal construction, except for…”

“i really like this picture, Bikram – how the bit of green undermines the cold, gray industrial world surrounding it. it’s also strangely comical in some way – reminds me of facial or body hair, as if nature were drawing a moustache on the bridge!

“and… ha, now you’re starting to see weeds everywhere too!”

“I do feel kind of attuned to plants in the city, now, as a result of our talks and keeping up with your site. On my walk I was actually thinking more about the big, planned, perfectly arranged gardens on either side of the river – I could see one on the far bank, by the London Eye, and I remember that the one by the tower of London is particularly meticulous. I guess that’s one theme that you guys are dealing with a lot – planned versus unplanned, official versus outlaw. I do like these wee upcroppings that are completely unexpected. I’ll keep my eye out for more.”