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.
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.
Fir vs. Spruce: What’s the Difference?
Conifers are a tricky group to identify. They are all evergreen, they all have needles of some sort, and many of them reproduce through their female cones that bear seeds. Now, because conifers all share these characteristics, we can use them to differentiate the genera and species of each tree.
Unveiling the Mystery of the Mighty Douglas Fir
Whether you are a new forager or you are a professional wanting to learn more nuances of the Douglas fir, this guide has something for you. We’ll learn how to identify this tree, where you can find it, and how to make tea from its needles.
Stop! Smell the Roses
Stopping to smell the roses can do more than just fill your nose with hints of vanilla, sherbet, or sweet fruit. Smelling flowers and herbs can help alleviate stress, relieve tension, and change your mindset for the better.
The Many Forms of Fiber: From Gut Health to Clothing
Whether we are talking about dietary fiber, wood, plants, paper, or clothes, fiber is a crucial component that connects and strengthens our world. In this article, we will explore the various meanings and uses of fiber, and how it affects our daily lives.