One leaf at time
Meet Hawthorn, the hedgerow hero! This thorny plant isn’t just pretty with its spring blossoms and autumn berries; it’s a haven for wildlife. Birds nest in its branches, and insects feast on its flowers. People use it to create sturdy hedges and even for traditional medicine. Hawthorn’s a true multi-tasker, beautifying the landscape while supporting … Read more
Meet cow vetch, a charming vine with clusters of purple flowers! Farmers love it as a natural fertilizer, enriching soil for crops. Bees and butterflies adore its nectar, making it vital for pollinators. As it climbs, it creates shelter for insects and small creatures. Despite being pretty, it can spread quickly, so gardeners should keep … Read more
Meet European fivefinger, a charming, ground-hugging plant with delicate, five-fingered leaves and cheery yellow flowers! Historically used in folk remedies, it’s now valued for erosion control and attracting pollinators. This little plant plays a vital role in supporting local ecosystems, offering food and shelter to insects. Its ability to thrive in challenging conditions makes it … 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 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
Meet the European hornbeam, a tough tree often mistaken for beech! Commonly used for hedges and topiary, it creates dense, living fences. Its leaves provide food for caterpillars, and birds love its seeds. Even when the leaves turn brown, they often cling on through winter, offering privacy and adding unique character to the landscape. European … 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
Meet hairy sedge, a humble plant with surprising superpowers! Often overlooked, it’s a vital player in stabilizing soil and providing food for wildlife. This adaptable native helps prevent erosion and creates habitat. Look closely – its delicate, hair-like leaves give it a unique texture and charm, making it a great addition to naturalized gardens and … Read more
Meet the European ash, a tree loved for its strong, springy wood, perfect for tool handles and sports equipment! This towering tree is vital for wildlife, offering food and shelter. Sadly, it’s facing a fungal threat called ash dieback. Distinctive for its black buds and elegant, pinnate leaves, the ash shows resilience, even as we … 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