Plants & Gardens Blog

In consultation with Andrew Reinmann, an ecologist and biogeochemist at CUNY, Brooklyn Botanic Garden has installed dendrometers—tools that measure tree growth—on trees around the grounds. Read › What’s With the Bands on BBG’s Trees?

Araucaria araucana is “like a mother,” says researcher Karina Speziale. “They feed the community. Many, many animals and humans depend on it.” Read › A Closer Look at the Monkey Puzzle Tree

People might think of plants as being removed from politics. “But they come with a lot of history,” says Chelsea Forgenie, co-curator of the exhibit Trees of Little Caribbean. Read › Celebrating Caribbean Trees

Remembering the environmental legacy of community activist Hattie Carthan, the “Tree Lady” of Brooklyn. Read › An African American Tree Activist Lived in Brooklyn

Dr. Vivek Shandas speaks with BBG about street trees, environmental justice, and how we can move toward a more equitable urban ecology. Read › Dr. Vivek Shandas on Trees and Equity in Cities

How do trees know when it’s time to drop their leaves or form new buds? Read › How Do Trees Tell Time?

The Japanese tradition known as "forest bathing" has been shown to have positive effects on mental and physical health. Read › Shinrin-Yoku: Spending Time in Nature as a Form of Meditation

Winter is a good time to study trees closely and get to know them by their bark and bare form. Read › Know These Trees by Their Bark

Acorns, honey locust pods, sweet gum balls and other fruits fall from city trees in autumn. Each one has its own fascinating botanical story that kids and adults can learn. Read › Why So Many Acorns? And Other Tree Fruit Mysteries

Brilliant orange butterfly weed, cheery black-eyed Susans, and frilly coralbells are native New Yorkers strong enough to survive—and even thrive—in the challenging environment of a city tree bed. Read › Tough Natives for Tender Tree Beds