One leaf at time
Meet the European filbert, your friendly neighborhood hazelnut tree! These trees provide delicious nuts perfect for snacking and baking, while also feeding wildlife like squirrels and birds. Beyond its tasty treats, the filbert supports healthy ecosystems and offers welcome shade. Interestingly, its catkins (the male flowers) can predict the onset of spring! European filbert Description … Read more
Meet meadow cress, a cheerful wildflower dotting meadows! This edible plant is a tasty treat in salads and adds a peppery zing to dishes. It’s a vital food source for butterflies and other pollinators, helping our ecosystems thrive. Unique for its rapid seed dispersal, meadow cress ensures its survival by shooting seeds far and wide! … Read more
Meet the common horsetail, an ancient plant thriving today! Often found in damp soil, it’s been used for centuries in traditional medicine and as a mild abrasive for cleaning. Horsetail plays an important role in stabilizing soil, and provides food/shelter for some creatures. Interestingly, it lacks flowers and spreads through spores, a throwback to its … Read more
Meet the Marsh thistle, a tall, spiky plant often found in damp meadows! Bees and butterflies adore its vibrant purple blooms, making it a vital nectar source. Historically, people used its roots and leaves for various remedies. Uniquely, while fiercely prickly, its downy seeds provide nesting material for birds, showcasing nature’s resourceful balance. Marsh thistle … Read more
Meet the European bird cherry, a charming tree bursting with fragrant white flowers in spring! Its berries provide a feast for birds (hence the name!), playing a vital role in the ecosystem. Historically, people used its bark for medicinal purposes. A unique feature? These beautiful trees can sometimes sucker, creating lovely thickets and providing even … Read more
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
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
Meet Bennet’s-root, a woodland gem! This humble plant offers more than meets the eye. Historically, its root was used to soothe aches and pains. Ecologically, it’s a boon for pollinators and ground cover. A unique trait? It subtly perfumes the air, especially after rain, with a clove-like scent – a welcome surprise on forest walks! … Read more
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
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