One leaf at time
Meet ditch reed, a tall, grass-like plant often found near water! People use it for thatching roofs and making mats. More importantly, it cleans water and provides shelter for wildlife. This humble plant grows super fast, spreading through underground stems, making it both a useful tool and a vital part of its ecosystem. Ditch reed … Read more
Hawk’s-beard, a cheerful wildflower found in meadows and roadsides, is a boon to both humans and nature! Some folks use its young leaves in salads, while its sunny yellow flowers attract bees and butterflies. This resilient plant spreads easily, providing ground cover and helping to support a healthy ecosystem. Its seed heads even look like … Read more
Meet Field-scabious, a charming wildflower dotting meadows! Loved by pollinators, its nectar-rich blooms are vital for bees and butterflies. Traditionally used in folk medicine, it was thought to soothe skin ailments (hence the name!). With its pincushion-like flower heads and delicate purple hues, this hardy plant adds beauty and biodiversity to our natural landscapes, a … Read more
Meet Lesser Spearwort, a charming wetland plant! Often found near water, it’s a handy green for soothing minor skin irritations. This little hero also provides food and shelter for insects and other small creatures, playing a key role in its ecosystem. Interestingly, it can grow both underwater and on land, showcasing its impressive adaptability! Lesser … Read more
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
Don’t let the sting fool you! Common nettle, that plant your grandma warned you about, is surprisingly useful. Its leaves are edible when cooked, packed with nutrients and a popular herbal remedy. Nettle also feeds insects and provides shelter, making it vital to local ecosystems. Plus, did you know it can be used to make … Read more
Meet garden sorrel, a zesty green with lemony leaves! Often used in soups, salads, and sauces, it adds a tangy kick to your cooking. Beyond the kitchen, it supports pollinators and enriches soil. Uniquely, sorrel’s sourness comes from oxalic acid (found in many leafy greens), giving it a refreshing taste that stands out from typical … Read more
Meet the Oxeye daisy, a cheerful wildflower brightening meadows! These hardy plants are loved for their bright white petals and sunny yellow centers. Often used in informal bouquets and sometimes for traditional folk remedies, they’re vital for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Their seeds also provide food for birds, making them a beautiful and beneficial … Read more
Meet common chickweed, a tiny but mighty plant popping up in gardens everywhere! It’s edible (and tasty!), offering a mild, spinach-like flavor in salads or cooked dishes. Birds and insects adore it too, making it a vital part of the local ecosystem. This humble weed is surprisingly nutritious and even used traditionally for soothing skin. … Read more
Wild angelica, a tall and graceful plant, is a haven for pollinators and other beneficial insects. Its sweet-smelling leaves and seeds are used in herbal remedies and flavourings. Growing along streams and damp meadows, it plays a vital role in supporting diverse ecosystems. Unusually, it’s phototoxic – so don’t get its sap on your skin … Read more