Name it and stop seeing

The mind wants to sort things before it sees them. I’m sure you have been on a walk with friends when suddenly they are … Continue

A thousand walks past one tree

The difference between looking and seeing is precision. Not the exactness of measurement, nor the botanist’s skilled eye noting details, but something gentler. It … Continue

Start encountering plants

Most plant teaching uses the eyes as the sole means of getting to know a plant. The plant is over there, and we observe … Continue

Your body knows trees better

British comedian Tommy Cooper is famous for saying, ‘pick a card, any card’. So today I want you to do something similar: ‘Find a … Continue

The name gets in the way

In today’s world, we often turn to a search engine. We type in our questions and rely on others’ insights for answers. But some … Continue

Plants you only think you know

People often only learn a plant once. They discover it in summer when it is in full flower and recognisable. They note the leaf … Continue