Aquariums, terrariums and other model ecosystems interpret the processes, biodiversity and aesthetics of wild places in Nature. Moonwort Studio has pioneered new model ecosystem designs including planted ripariums, epiphyte branch terrariums and the edaphotron. Wall-mount Winogradsky columns visualize the complexity of microbial ecology.
Author: botrychium
Interpretive Gardens
A simple approach combines community garden plantings and signage text to interpret prehistoric crop domestication, pollinator ecology and botanical science. Situated in a public community garden space, this inviting content sparks contemplation of deep time scales and myriad human-Nature connections.
The Domestication of Maize.
Maize is the most widely
Echoes – Microbialite Reef
A biotope aquarium imagines an ancient Archean sea.
We’ve had this setup installed for a few years. Faux stromatolite structures were assembled with reef tank aragonite stones, then seeded with a mixed microbial culture from Great Salt Lake wild microbialites.
Water is very salty (1.0649SG) to approximate Great Salt Lake conditions.
There are many more details to share, but here is a series of pictures to show progress.
Fiber Arts
Engaging the physical elements, craftsmanship, science and outdoor play, kites are among the most captivating of artistic subjects. A series of kites with space exploration themes imagine adventures on alien planets and moons. Other projects involve miniaturized versions of traditional Japanese kite designs in modern materials.