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Policeman’s-helmet

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Meet Policeman’s-helmet, a quirky plant with explosive seed pods! Also known as Himalayan balsam, it adds a splash of pink to damp areas. Some use its flowers in jams or as medicine, and it’s a bee favorite. But be warned, it can spread quickly, sometimes outcompeting native plants, so enjoy its beauty responsibly! Policeman’s-helmet Description … Read more

Japanese knotweed

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Don’t let its pretty name fool you, Japanese knotweed is one tough plant! While young shoots are tasty in pies and its roots have medicinal uses, it’s also a garden invader. This fast-growing plant forms dense thickets, providing habitat for some critters. Knotweed is a survivor, regrowing from tiny fragments, making it incredibly hard to … Read more

Common bird’s-foot trefoil

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Meet Common bird’s-foot trefoil! This cheerful little plant, often dotting meadows with its vibrant yellow blooms, is a bee’s delight and a vital food source for many insects. Farmers sometimes use it as green manure. Its seed pods, resembling a bird’s foot, give it a unique charm. It’s a real unsung hero in supporting healthy … Read more

Blue-green sedge

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Meet Blue-green sedge, a versatile plant adding beauty to moist areas! Its striking color makes it a popular choice for landscaping, erosion control, and even green roofs. Wildlife loves it too, using it for food and shelter. Uniquely, Blue-green sedge stays green year-round in many climates, providing constant color and vital ecological support. Blue-green sedge … Read more

Heath speedwell

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Meet Heath speedwell, a charming little plant dotting fields and meadows! Often used in herbal remedies for soothing skin and easing coughs, it’s a busy bee magnet, supporting vital pollinators. Its vibrant blue flowers brighten landscapes, while its creeping habit helps prevent soil erosion. A true unsung hero, this humble beauty adds both ecological value … Read more

Cow-parsley

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Cow-parsley, a familiar sight in spring meadows, is more than just a pretty face! Its delicate white flowers provide vital nectar for pollinators like bees and hoverflies. While sometimes mistaken for poisonous look-alikes, its leaves are edible when young and have a subtle anise flavour. This common plant truly boosts biodiversity and adds charm to … Read more

Common marsh bedstraw

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Meet Common marsh bedstraw, a friendly wetland plant! This unassuming green patch is a haven for insects and wildlife. Traditionally, people used it to stuff mattresses (hence the name “bedstraw”!) and even as a cheese-making aid. It’s an important part of the ecosystem, preventing erosion and providing habitat. Interestingly, its leaves can smell like honey … Read more

Persian speedwell

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Meet Persian speedwell, a tiny, cheerful plant with bright blue flowers! Often seen in lawns and gardens, it’s a surprisingly important food source for early pollinators. While some consider it a weed, it’s also used traditionally for teas and tinctures. Uniquely, its seed pods are heart-shaped and incredibly tiny, making it a charming little addition … Read more

Evergreen oak

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The evergreen oak, a Mediterranean marvel, is a sturdy tree that stays green year-round. Its strong wood is great for construction and firewood. Wildlife love its acorns, which provide vital food. These oaks help prevent soil erosion and create diverse habitats. Interestingly, some live for hundreds of years, standing as silent witnesses to history! Evergreen … Read more