One leaf at time
Meet the Cowberry! These tiny, tart berries are a favorite for jams and juices, adding a pop of flavor to Scandinavian cuisine. As a low-growing groundcover, they provide vital habitat and food for local wildlife. Thriving in acidic soils, these hardy plants often paint northern landscapes red, proving that even small things can have a … Read more
Meet the European blueberry, a delightful woodland shrub! These small, dark berries are a tasty treat enjoyed fresh, in jams, or baked goods. They’re also vital snacks for forest animals, helping spread seeds. Unlike their American cousins, European blueberries stain your fingers (and tongue!) a vibrant purple. They thrive in acidic soils and support diverse … Read more
Meet Common Gum Cistus, a sun-loving shrub! It’s used in perfumes and traditional medicine for its fragrant resin. This tough plant helps prevent soil erosion and provides food/shelter for local wildlife. Uniquely, it thrives in poor soils and survives wildfires, quickly regenerating to paint landscapes with its delicate, papery white flowers. Common gum cistus Description … Read more
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
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