This project began when I became enamored with the compost heap belonging to the Smith College greenhouse.  When the plants were groomed, trimmed, repotted, and replaced, the refuse was taken to a small pile by the side of the road.  I began photographing this plant material because it seemed like a different surprise every time I looked.  I was attracted to the colors, textures and forms of the tropical and desert plants. 

I photographed them basically as I found them.  If I couldn't quite get the composition I needed, maybe I would nudge a branch or leaf with my toe.  As there were very few blossoms I would sometimes dig into the pile to make them more visible.  The fun part of the project was stumbling across a good composition by just moving the camera to the right spot -- kind of like vegetative street photography.