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
Nature
The Garden Jungle by Dave Goulson – Book Recommendation
Goulson’s book sheds some light on the interconnectivity of living things in the garden. It highlights the unseen life of the millions of creatures we share our homes with and why it’s important to look after them.
Whispering Trees and Forget-Me-Not Skies: Finding Wildflowers in April
It's hard to live far away from your family during the pandemic and the distance feels immense when you need to process a loss or grief. So, I keep walking, despite the fickle weather. I keep writing, despite the stale words. And I look for wildflowers and listen to whispering trees.
Dance of life, blood, and memory – poem
Poetry helps us come to terms with grief, and comfort is often found in unexpected places.
When the Gardening-Bug Bites – Lefras’ Story
Lefras' passion for plants and gardening is infectious. We talk about the Amaryllis in his high school boarding room, gardening on a budget, and what he would do if he won the national lottery...
to the chestnut tree – Poem
What would you ask an ancient tree?
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!
Things you find under trees – poem
I locked myself (and my daughter) out of the house two weeks ago. Dark rain clouds were looming overhead. I panicked. My toddler was hungry and tired, I had no snacks, and to tell you the truth, I was hungry and tired too! But after a few phone calls, we had no choice but to … Continue reading Things you find under trees – poem
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.
Wild Library 