Where the Wild Flowers Grow by Leif Bersweden – Book Review

A botanical journey through Britain and Ireland? Count me in! This collection of essays is informative and entertaining and will delight budding botanists, plant enthusiasts, and naturalists. Bersweden cycles to different areas of biological interest and meets people doing amazing work in research and conservation. Open your eyes to the diversity, intricacies, and wonders of … Continue reading Where the Wild Flowers Grow by Leif Bersweden – Book Review

New Adventure: Identifying Ireland’s Wildflowers

I’m always stopping on walks to examine flowers, shrubs, and trees but I'm not familiar with many of the plant and bird species in Ireland and I find this weirdly unsettling. This is where ‘Wild Flowers of Ireland and Britain’ come in - I’m hoping to learn more about Ireland by identifying as many plants, trees, and grasses as I can this year. I’d love for you to join me on this adventure!

Leave a Garden – Poem

I create a garden every time I move to a new rental house. It’s hard work and I seldom stay long enough to truly reap the rewards of my efforts. But planting and tending a new garden is a rewarding and special process in itself. Even though I know there’s a good chance the next renters will leave the garden to die or grow wild, I believe it’s better to leave a garden when you go.

Daffodils

The daffodils in my garden showed their sun-filled faces yesterday. I’ve been anxiously excited about this moment for weeks. I watched the bulbs as they emerged from the frosty earth. Saw them rise towards the leaden winter skies. Watched, with great anticipation, as their flower buds edged upwards, a little closer to the sun each day. Saw the spathe turn brown and transparent like a finely veined piece of paper as the bulbs swelled with promise, drinking in the sun and rain. For a few days, the yellow petals threatened to burst from their containment, but they were waiting. For a day, for a signal, for the sun. Now, finally, they have unfurled their magnificent crowns and turned them towards the light.