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During the recent cold weather, I gathered silver birch twigs from outside my local police station, under the constabulary’s watchful eye. I took those … Continue

Today, I had to take some of my books to the post office. I live in a city, and waiting for a bus takes … Continue

I found a note I saved months ago while archiving old data that was cluttering my computer. Before I continue, I need to fess … Continue

Frank Cook was my plant mentor. He’s the reason you are reading these words. The reason he kicked me out of the door in … Continue

A few days ago I wrote about the disappearance of our plant knowledge. That when an elder dies, a library burns. I got a … Continue

I was recently reminded of this ancient African proverb. I was speaking with a village healer in an almost deserted mountain village in the … Continue

I am Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), an ancient guardian of the woods. My roots plunge into Earth’s memories, as deep as my crown reaches for … Continue

I am sea buckthorn, and I have watched humans come and go along these coastal dunes for centuries. My thorny branches protect clusters of … Continue

I am Sowthistle, standing resilient in the November chill. While most plants have scattered their seeds to the wind, I persist in protected corners … Continue

Vegetable glycerine has a very low glycemic index of just 3. In comparison, sucrose (table sugar) has a medium glycemic index of 65. By … Continue

Nature’s quiet corners hold profound truths. Look beyond the flashy and grand. Humble dandelions and silent moss speak volumes. Watch how water shapes stone … Continue

Begin your plant journey with species familiar from childhood, such as dandelions or stinging nettle. Develop an intimate knowledge of one plant before expanding … Continue

Cultivate a mindful presence when interacting with plants in nature.  Slow down your movements and quiet your mind. Focus on the present moment, observing … Continue

Embrace an integrated approach to plant identification by engaging all your senses, not just sight. Encounter a plant and become completely absorbed in the … Continue

Silverweed, Potentilla anserina. A perennial plant in the Rosaceae family. It is widespread in the Northern Hemisphere. It produces carbohydrate-rich, nutritious storage roots. Worldwide, … Continue