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Field Journal

a collection of resources, reflections, and design stories

Unexpected Beauty
Nature Reflection Dean Janulis Nature Reflection Dean Janulis

Unexpected Beauty

In North America, orchids are often associated with delicate beauty, tropical climates, and exotic flowers. The widespread availability of Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchids) in grocery stores over the past decade has somewhat diminished their mystique, yet they are still perceived as foreign species, cultivated for regions where they do not naturally thrive. However, orchids are not as foreign as many might think. In New Jersey alone, there are 50 native orchid species, and across the tri-state area, more than 70 species can be found.

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Butterflies Aren’t Picky—We Are
Design Deep-Dive Tom TY Design Deep-Dive Tom TY

Butterflies Aren’t Picky—We Are

So how do we embrace these "messy" ecosystems—not just as acceptable, but as beautiful? How can we shift from rejecting functional, life-giving landscapes to celebrating them? By unpacking both our biological instincts and cultural conditioning, we can begin to design a new aesthetic: one that frames hope, resilience, and a thriving future.

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