Garden Links for 7 March 2012
We read the botanical web so you don’t have to. In this edition: big bugs back from extinction, power moss, garden therapy, a plan for an underground park in NYC, and an ignoble end to an ancient tree.
Six-Legged Giant Finds Secret Hideaway, Hides For 80 Years
“The story is simple: A bunch of black rats almost wiped out a bunch of gigantic bugs on a little island far, far away from most of us. A few dedicated scientists, passionate about biological diversity, risked their lives to keep the bugs going.” Their safe haven? A single bush.- The hidden power of moss
“Scientists at Cambridge University are exhibiting a prototype table that demonstrates how biological fuel cells can harness energy from plants.” Someday I’d like to send email from a mossy (and moss-powered) laptop. - Can Gardening Help Troubled Minds Heal?
“What scientists do know is that gardening reduces stress and calms the nerves. It decreases cortisol, a hormone that plays a role in stress response.” I used to joke that gardening is cheaper than therapy. Now I realize that it is therapy. - LowLine: An Underground Park on NYC's Lower East Side by Dan Barasch on Kickstarter
“We want to transform an abandoned trolley terminal on the Lower East Side of Manhattan into the world’s first underground park. It will be a new kind of public space, using solar technology for natural illumination, and cutting edge design to capture and highlight a very special industrial space.” I want those newfangled lights in my house right now! - And remember the story of The Senator from the last batch of links?
Woman admits to burning down 3,500-year-old tree while smoking meth
“Why is it that so many of nature’s most awe-inspiring specimens seem to meet their end under such stupid circumstances?” Nature is cruel. Meth is crueler.
Seen any good botanical links lately? Please share!
See Also
Punk Rock Solanum atop Buena Vista Park
Don't get too close. He could totally kick your ass.
5 Days of Growth in 35 Seconds
A timelapse of what my Caladium plants did while I was away.
Updates from the Gasmsphere*
It's nice to know that someone besides me is reading. Here are a few updates from Plantgasm readers.
