One leaf at time
Meet hedge bedstraw, a charming, sprawling plant often found scrambling through hedgerows! Historically used for bedding (hence the name!), it’s now vital for supporting pollinators and small creatures. Its delicate, frothy white flowers create a beautiful, tangled haven. Uniquely, the plant uses tiny, hooked hairs to cling to surrounding vegetation as it grows, making it … Read more
Meet Elder, a plant brimming with helpfulness! Its flowers make delicious cordials and fritters, while the berries become jams and wines. Elder is an ecological superstar, feeding birds and insects, and providing shelter. Uniquely, its hollow stems were once used for pipes, giving it the old name “pipe tree.” A versatile friend to both humans … Read more
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
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 Celandine, a cheerful little plant with sunny yellow flowers! Often found near paths, its bright sap was traditionally used for treating warts and skin issues. Besides potential healing, Celandine is a vital food source for some caterpillars. Its seeds are spread by ants, showcasing nature’s clever partnerships. While beneficial, remember it’s best admired with … Read more
Meet Quackgrass! Often called a weed, this tough plant is more than meets the eye. It helps prevent soil erosion with its strong roots, offering food and shelter to small critters. Historically, people used it for its medicinal properties and as a food source. While sometimes pesky, Quackgrass proves that even the most overlooked plants … Read more
Meet the Spinulose Woodfern! This adaptable fern adds beauty to shady spots, providing shelter for wildlife and enriching the soil. Known for its lacy, evergreen fronds, it’s sometimes used in landscaping or even holiday decorations. What’s neat? Its delicate leaves unfurl in spirals, like tiny green fiddlenecks, offering a captivating glimpse into the fern’s life … Read more
Meet field sorrel, the tangy plant that adds a lemony zing to salads! Beyond culinary uses, it’s a valuable source of food for wildlife and helps improve the soil. This adaptable plant thrives in various conditions, often popping up in fields and meadows. Watch out, though! Too much can be sour on the stomach, so … Read more
The Common-briar, a thorny delight, offers more than just a pretty rosehip! Thickets of it provide shelter and food for wildlife, playing a vital role in local ecosystems. Humans use its vitamin-rich hips for jams and teas. Watch out for its prickles, though – those thorns help the plant climb and defend itself, making it … 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