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What makes a plant a weed?
What makes a plant a weed?
weed /wēd/ noun, a wild plant growing where it is not wanted and in competition with cultivated plants.
graffiti /ɡrəˈfēdē/ noun, writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place.
street art unofficial and independent visual art created in public locations for public visibility.
Do you walk by plants growing in the cracks of sidewalks, along roads and houses without noticing them? You aren't alone. Next time you are outside take a minute to really look at the weeds and see if you can figure out what type they are. Check here for some resources on identifying plants. You can join other urban naturalists by writing the names of the plants you find in sidewalk chalk. Sometimes when we don't know something's name we don't realize that it's important- so get acquainted! Once you know your plant's name see if you can learn a little bit about it. Where did it come from originally? (The US or someplace else?) Why do people think it's a weed? What do people use it for? Do animals or insects use it?
Do you walk by plants growing in the cracks of sidewalks, along roads and houses without noticing them? You aren't alone. Next time you are outside take a minute to really look at the weeds and see if you can figure out what type they are. Check here for some resources on identifying plants. You can join other urban naturalists by writing the names of the plants you find in sidewalk chalk. Sometimes when we don't know something's name we don't realize that it's important- so get acquainted! Once you know your plant's name see if you can learn a little bit about it. Where did it come from originally? (The US or someplace else?) Why do people think it's a weed? What do people use it for? Do animals or insects use it?
Weeds are plants that grow places that people don't want them to and they are often incredibly strong. Listen to this book by Cindy Jenson-Elliott called "Weeds Find a Way" to learn about some of the ways weeds survive.
Weeds are plants that grow places that people don't want them to and they are often incredibly strong. Listen to this book by Cindy Jenson-Elliott called "Weeds Find a Way" to learn about some of the ways weeds survive.
Next let's look at some street artists. Street art (or graffiti) is a form of artwork that is done in public places and often uses what is around. Much like weeds, sometimes people think it's in the wrong place, but it can also be beautiful!
Next let's look at some street artists. Street art (or graffiti) is a form of artwork that is done in public places and often uses what is around. Much like weeds, sometimes people think it's in the wrong place, but it can also be beautiful!
Artist David Zinn uses weeds in his graffiti illustrations
British Artist Slinkachu creates tiny people and places them in urban scenes.
Michael Pederson "Urban Weed Awards"
Artist Jan Vormann uses LEGO bricks to patch holes in urban architecture
After you have done some research about your neglected plant, think of a way to celebrate it by making some street art around or incorporating your plant. You may want to incorporate something you learned while researching your plant or you may just want to make something that looks interesting! Maybe people will look at your plant in a new way now.
After you have done some research about your neglected plant, think of a way to celebrate it by making some street art around or incorporating your plant. You may want to incorporate something you learned while researching your plant or you may just want to make something that looks interesting! Maybe people will look at your plant in a new way now.
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