One leaf at time
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
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
Woodbine, or honeysuckle, is a charming vine beloved for its sweet fragrance and trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Its berries provide food for birds, playing a key role in the ecosystem. Often used to add a romantic touch to gardens, Woodbine climbs and twines, creating a beautiful, wildlife-friendly haven. Some varieties even change … Read more
Meet the Cowslip, a cheerful meadow flower dotting springtime landscapes! Its golden, bell-shaped blooms aren’t just pretty; they’ve traditionally been used in teas and to flavor wines. These little beauties are vital for early-season pollinators, like bees and butterflies. Interestingly, Cowslips have a fascinating pin-eyed” and thrum-eyed” flower structure, helping ensure genetic diversity! Cowslip Description … Read more
Meet Grass-leaf starwort, a cheerful wildflower with grass-like leaves and delicate, star-shaped blossoms! It’s a feast for pollinators and provides shelter for tiny critters, playing a vital role in its habitat. Historically, people have used it in herbal remedies. This unassuming beauty thrives in damp meadows, adding a touch of sparkle to the landscape. Grass-leaf … Read more
Meet Rough Bluegrass, a common meadow grass perfect for lawns and pastures! It spreads quickly, providing valuable ground cover and erosion control. Wildlife love it for food and shelter. Uniquely, it thrives in moist, shady spots where other grasses struggle. This versatile plant is a fantastic addition to gardens and natural landscapes alike! Rough bluegrass … Read more
Meet the Scotch pine, a hardy evergreen loved for its fragrant needles and reddish bark! Often used as a Christmas tree, it also provides valuable lumber. Ecologically, it offers shelter and food for wildlife and stabilizes soil. Remarkably adaptable, the Scotch pine can survive in poor conditions, making it a tough and resourceful tree! Scotch … Read more
Meet Autumn hawkbit, a cheerful, dandelion-like flower that brightens meadows in late summer! Bees love its nectar, making it a vital food source. Interestingly, its leaves and roots are edible for humans too, offering a slightly bitter flavor to salads. This hardy little plant is a great addition to any wild space, supporting pollinators and … Read more
Meet common vetch, a sprawling, helpful plant! Farmers love it as livestock feed and a natural fertilizer that enriches the soil. Bees adore its vibrant purple flowers, making it great for pollinators. Plus, it’s a nitrogen fixer, pulling this vital nutrient from the air and sharing it with the earth. Talk about a plant that … Read more
Meet Cooper’s-reed, a tall, graceful grass that thrives along waterways! Its strong roots prevent erosion, providing vital habitat for wildlife. Farmers use it for fencing and livestock feed. Interestingly, the plant is incredibly adaptable, surviving both floods and droughts, making it a true survivor in diverse environments! Cooper’s-reed Description Common Name Cooper’s-reed Scientific Name Typha … Read more