As the curator of East River Pier 35, I have had the privilege of witnessing the transformation of this once-neglected waterfront into a thriving oasis. While our team has carefully designed and planted a variety of native species, we have also been surprised by the arrival of unplanned guests – volunteer plants that have made this park their home. These native plants, such as sea lavender and beach morning glory, have adapted to the harsh conditions of the pier, where salt spray and intense sunlight can be unforgiving. Yet, they have not only survived but thrived, adding a touch of wild beauty to our carefully designed landscape. As we catalog these unexpected species, we are reminded of the importance of embracing the unpredictable nature of ecology. By allowing these volunteer plants to coexist with our designed landscape, we are creating a more resilient and diverse ecosystem. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of these accidental ecology, exploring the stories behind these unexpected guests and the lessons they teach us about the interconnectedness of our environment.