As the name implies, it's basically a system that enables your neglected, wilting houseplants to place urgent or humorous phone calls asking--and, in some cases, pleading--for your prompt assistance. Here's how it works: A network of sensors is placed in one or more of your plants that proceed to measure those important things like light exposure and moisture levels. Once measured, that data is then cross referenced with some pre-programmed 'ideal' condition data based on each individual plant species. So if your soil is too crusty or your light exposure too lacking--well, expect a phone call.

But it doesn't simply end there. You can also call in on your plants to check their status whenever you're feeling unusually guilty or curious...or both. The plants even take on their own unique vocal personalities. For instance, the Scotch Moss on display at Maker Faire is technically neither a moss nor indigenous to Scotland. It's also happens to be rather aggressive, and often blankets its surrounding environs. So, in keeping with those characteristics, the "plant" that calls you is given a faux Scottish accent and, according to the lady at the booth, can be quite demanding.

Now, we all know houseplants tend to get a raw deal. I once wrote an ill-conceived story, entitled Bon(sigh), about how an abused and neglected 40-year-old Bonsai tree I had purchased for a girlfriend--which subsequently died after two months in a bonsai hospital--quite nicely symbolized our deteriorating relationship and inability to address basic problems. She didn't like the story, much.

Anyway, there have been plenty of projects and gizmos (both practical and not so practical) riffing on our almost universal inability to tend for something that, let's face it, requires so little maintenance.

And while kind of strange at first, you realize that giving a plant a human voice and a means for communication--giving it even more anthropomorphic power -is a rather brilliant way to get us to actually care.

Will this new form of human/plant communication promote inter-species harmony and ward off the impending Last March of the Ents? Only time will tell. For now, Botanicalls is just a demonstration. If you're interested, though, you can call (212) 202-8348 to hear more about each of the plants involved in the project.