Seattle's Grey Embrace: A Botanist's Slightly Damp Dispatches
okay, so seattle. everyone’s always going on about the coffee and the rain, right? yeah, it’s got that. but it’s so much more… mossy. seriously, the moss. it’s everywhere. clinging to buildings, draping over fences, practically breathing on you. i just checked and it’s drizzling a persistent, almost apologetic kind of rain right now, hope you like that kind of thing.
I’m elara, by the way. botanist. usually i’m knee-deep in some remote rainforest, cataloging ferns. this? this is… different. i came here chasing rumors of a particularly resilient species of lichen, Xanthoria elegans, supposedly thriving on the city’s brickwork. it’s a long story involving a grant, a slightly overenthusiastic professor, and a deep-seated need to escape the humidity of florida.
I’ve been wandering around, mostly in the *Ballard neighborhood. it’s… charming, in a slightly weathered way. Lots of old brick buildings, perfect for lichen hunting. I spent a good hour yesterday just staring at a wall, trying to distinguish the Xanthoria from the regular grime. It’s harder than it looks, let me tell you.
Someone told me that the best place to find truly wild plants in the city is Discovery Park. Apparently, there’s a hidden ravine where native wildflowers still pop up. I’m planning a trip there tomorrow. I’m also checking out the Kubota Garden - heard it’s a little slice of japan tucked away in south seattle. TripAdvisor link has some decent reviews, though most people seem more interested in the koi ponds than the actual plants.
I overheard some drunk guy at a bar complaining about the seagulls. Apparently, they’re aggressive. Like, actively dive-bombing people for french fries aggressive. I’m not sure how that relates to botany, but it’s a seattle thing, i guess.
“Don’t trust the pigeons. They’re watching you.” - a very serious woman at the Pike Place Market.
My gear list is pretty basic, honestly.
*Magnifying glass: essential for lichen identification.
*Field notebook: gotta document everything.
*Waterproof boots: because, you know, seattle.
*Rain jacket: obviously.
*Camera: for photographing the moss. Lots and lots of moss.
*Snacks: foraging is hungry work.
If you’re looking for something a little less… botanical, I heard that Fremont is the place to be for quirky art and vintage shops. Yelp link has a bunch of recommendations.
I’m staying in a tiny apartment near the University District. it’s… functional. the neighbors seem quiet, mostly students. if you get bored, tacoma and everett are just a short drive away. I’m trying to find a good local plant nursery. I saw a listing for one in Queen Anne - local board link.
Someone else warned me about the hills. apparently, they’re brutal. i’ve only encountered a few so far, but i can see their point. my legs are already feeling it.
Honestly, seattle is… interesting. it’s not the tropical paradise i’m used to, but there’s a certain beauty to the dampness, the green, the quiet resilience of the plants that manage to thrive here. i’m still searching for that Xanthoria elegans*, but even if i don’t find it, i’m having a pretty good time exploring. i’m also checking out the Seattle Japanese Garden. Seattle Japanese Garden website.
pro-tip: bring an umbrella. seriously. and maybe some waterproof mascara.
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