A winter view from back in January, with a tropical plant and a gaggle of amaryllis framed by windows, stuck inside by the winter snow. Today, the sun has melted the last of the snow away; Berliners – people and plants alike – are turning their faces towards the rare rays. It feels a little like spring, only the trees are still bare and, it being only the beginning of February, we know there could still be snowstorms and chilly days ahead.
These are some of the first urban plants I documented after returning from Kyoto, which was significantly warmer and greener. When I shared the photo on Urban Plant Research’s Instagram profile, Mieko said they reminded her of the Kyoto zoo, which we visited together. There is something terrarium-like about the scene, as if a shy turtle or snake might peep through the window at any moment…
urban plant research 
Hi plants! +waving+
(that waving is being done by me, not the plants. Although if the plants were outside and it was windy, they would be waving back)
Hi Matt! Germans believe in “luften” – airing out the apartment by opening all the windows – at least once a day in winter, so if you walk by at the right time maybe the plants really will wave back in the drafty air, without even leaving the house!