Mean Green Garden
Welcome to Mean Green Garden, a virtual haven where the realms of art, nature, and queer identity converge. It’s more than a blog —it's an exploration of the intricate dance between plants and the human experience.
Standing Under the Bigleaf Maple Tree
Near a home, or at a park, a falling tree branch may cause structural damage, and it may hurt people if they are close by. This is often the reasoning behind not planting a bigleaf maple in the yard or landscape. I wonder though, how much of this is fear-mongering, and how much of it is true?
The Uncommonly Common Currant
Not only is the common currant gorgeous, but it is also incredibly hardy in the landscape. It naturally grows on rocky slopes, dry forestland, and disturbed sites. I have seen it growing in locales with direct sun and no extra irrigation!
How to Identify Indian Plum Shrubs
Take a closer look and you’ll see why this shrub stuns onlookers each spring. It is one of the first plants to break buds with clusters of white bell-shaped flowers and shiny green foliage. When it blooms, it emits a delightfully floral scent akin to flowering plum and cherry trees.
How to Identify Alnus rubra (Red Alder) in the Winter
Every tree species is different, and starting in late winter they all employ their tricks in order to be fertilized and make seeds for the next generation of trees. Alnus rubra, known commonly as the “red alder,” is a wonderful example of showy sexual reproduction.
How to Make Compost: Nature’s Gold
One of the best mulches to use for vegetable garden preparation is compost. Compost is nutrient-dense, porous, and absorbent. It protects the microbes in the soil, feeds them, and provides a comfy little home for any transplants into the garden. Compost is like the gardener’s version of the topsoil in a protected forest.
A Resilient Tree: How Plants Adapt to Ice and Snow
I marvel at trees that do survive such an extreme weather event. They will remember this extreme weather, and they will pass on this knowledge to their future offspring. How do they do it, and what secrets are they hiding in their defense strategies?
How Do Hazelnut Trees Reproduce?
The main reason this plant spoke to me, and the reason it continues to amaze me, is for its showy blooms that develop each year. At a time when nothing else seems to be growing or alive, it is the hazels of all different species that drop their catkins for a spectacular winter display.
7 Tips for a Water-Wise Garden
Water is a precious resource, and in our gardens, it's essential to use it wisely. By adopting water-wise practices, we can conserve water, save money on utility bills, and promote a climate-resistant environment. By starting small with one or two changes, we can create drought-tolerant gardens with ease in the long run.
Save Garden Space: Stake Those Tomatoes!
Want tomatoes but don’t have the space for those big, rambling plants? Learn how to stake your tomatoes with this easy-to-follow guide.
Culantro: The Ultimate Cilantro Replacement
Culantro is not a weed in the eyes of an herbalist. It is a tough, tasty, and nutritious cilantro substitute that can be grown indoors or outdoors. Culantro also lasts longer in dishes subject to heat, so you can put it in soups and stews without it wilting like cilantro does.