Weeds of Glendale Ave

"Weeds of Glendale Ave" is a zine meant to invoke wildlife field guides, taking an often intimidating topic and making it as approachable as possible. The use of the term “weeds” describes urban plants, often ignored or seen as undesirable, framed with the same legitimacy as any other area of natural study, such as plants, animals, fungi, and rocks. Limiting the range to Glendale Ave was also a decision to create a title that highlighted an urban area that is well-known to many Los Angeles residents. I wanted to show that you can discover nature and teach yourself about local wildlife without having access to typical natural spaces such as parks and hiking trails.

The zine serves a botanical diary of my commute up-and-down a single street, showcasing the surprising diversity found in an overlooked place. Its purpose is less as an educational guide, and more as a source of inspiration for others to slow down and look closely at their everyday environments. The act of recording and researching these weeds is what kick-started my obsession with nature, so I hope others will feel encouraged to embark on their own journeys as well, no matter how humble their beginnings.