(äp′i dən) of a town; urban         (ver·dure) flourishing greenery

Oppidan Verdure is a self-published quarterly plant guide that I distribute for free at coffee shops and bookstores. Original illustrations are created on paper with machine embroidery and pen/ink. Words are mine unless otherwise stated.

I conceived of Oppidan Verdure while living in brooklyn, ny, in order to unify my art- making and gardening. As I visit new places and move through seasons, spending time with plants is a way for me to deepen my sense of place and align myself with nature’s cycles.

This is a very personal project that I made public in order to connect with the overwhelmingly large crowds of strangers I encountered daily in the city. It is my hope that by dispersing droppings of these booklets, I will engage in an anonymous dialogue about urban greenery and enhance the plant consciousness of my community.

May we cherish this land and help ensure its vitality.

Styphnolobium japonicum (Chinese Scholar Tree)

a medium tree suitable for parks and as a street tree. a member of the Fabaceae (pea) family. coming into bloom after most other flowereing trees. Creamy white, pea-like, sweet smelling flowers produce yellow-green seed pods. pinnate (feather-like) leaves turn yellow in the fall. not to be confused with black locust which blooms in may and produces longer flatter pods. its seed pods are an important food source for urban wildlife. trees are often filled with a voracious colony of birds all winter long.