A tree floats in Brooklyn

Last fall, I stumbled upon this tree, which looks like it’s hovering above the sidewalk at first glance. Does anyone know what kind of tree it is?

 

Closer view for identification purposes

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New York’s surrogate plants

As a California native, I grew up with an abundance of parks, hiking trails and large areas of nature within a short walking distance. That is why I was surprised that the artificial foliage and plants of New York have been catching my attention. The city’s greenery cannot compare with California’s vegetation, but I am interested in how urban dwellers find comfort and privacy in a bustling city where space is limited and its supply is competitive.

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Mysteriously multiplying Christmas trees in Brooklyn

“How did my seven-unit building produce ten dumped trees? Don’t ‘miracle of Christmas’ me, Brooklyn, you’ve got some explaining to do,” says playwright and keen-eyed New Yorker Mike Lew.

Any theories?

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Brooklyn: Sara’s “Needle Bed” opens tonight at Open Source

After a much-too-long period of silence – during which I’ve been focused primarily on music – I am happy to share my newest solo work which has swung back into the realm of Urban Plant Research: an installation made from recycled Christmas trees!

I hope those of our readers in New York City will consider joining me at the opening of my show Needle Bed this evening from 7-9pm at Open Source Gallery in South Slope, Brooklyn. Despite the ridiculously freezing temperature outside, it will be festive!

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Brooklyn: Slideshow at Open Source Gallery, Oct. 14

Urban Plant Research is back in action in Brooklyn! On October 14, we’re presenting a slideshow and discussion at Open Source Gallery in South Slope, as part of the gallery’s ‘Church of Monika’ program of Sunday morning art-related gatherings.

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Germany: the fate of Christmas trees in January

What’s this? Could it really be a polar bear getting ready to eat a discarded Christmas tree? Indeed, our friend and faithful Urban Plants reader Phyllis alerted us to a strange and amazing January urban plant tradition that takes place each year in zoos all around Germany.

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Brooklyn: Nighttime weeds along the Gowanus Canal

On a recent warm night while traversing the Gowanus Canal, I spied a couple suspicious green characters lurking about, like this many-headed ivy monster…

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