One leaf at time
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
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
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 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
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
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
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 Jacobaea, often called ragwort! This cheerful, yellow-flowered plant is more than just a pretty face. Historically used in herbal remedies, it’s a vital food source for many insects, including the Cinnabar moth. While beautiful, it can be toxic to some livestock, highlighting nature’s delicate balance. With its bright blooms and complex role in the … 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