A relative of the cultivated carrots we eat today, wild carrot (Daucus carota) is a perennial flowering plant of the Apiaceae family, which also contains coriander, cumin, and parsley. The plant is native to the UK, where it has many other known common names, such as: Queen Anne’s lace, European wild carrot, bird’s nest, and bishop’s […]
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Purple toadflax is a plant in the genus Linaria, which includes about 200 species of herbaceous plants, and is part of the plantain family (Plantaginaceae). Flowering from July to October, this extremely hardy plant is popular among many gardeners around the UK. However, for some, due to its bushy, clump-forming and hardy nature, it can
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The brimstone butterfly (scientific name Gonepteryx rhamni) is a common sight in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Its striking colour and unusual wings-closed resting position make it a very easily identifiable creature that is beautiful and provokes intrigue and mystery. Named after the Greek god of fire, whose signature accessory is said to be the
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Money spiders belong to the second largest family of spiders, the Linyphiidae, which consists of approximately 4706 species worldwide. With over 280 different species of money spider, they are one of the most common spiders found in the UK. Also known as sheet weavers in many parts of the world, these tiny little creatures are
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The name crab spider is loosely used for up to 2100 species of similar-looking spiders in the family Thomisidae. The crab spider has many common names, such as flower spiders, flower crab spiders, and shield crab spider. How To Identify a Crab Spider Crab spiders are known for their crab-like appearance and how they run
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This lovely perennial wildflower blooms in spring and early summer. It is a member of the forget-me-not family, Boraginaceae, and is related to the borage family. It is found in a number of regions and can grow into sizeable colonies but only if it has a lot of space and good conditions for growth. Appearance
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False widow spiders are one of the most feared arachnids in Britain, and for good reason. These venomous creatures can be found throughout the UK, but their presence is often misunderstood. False widow spiders have been known to bite humans when provoked or threatened, making it important to know how to identify a false widow
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Bird baths can be a great addition to your garden, especially if you have a bird table nearby, but they can also be trouble. They freeze up easily, which typically results in your fresh water turning into ice. It’s important that you ensure that your bird bath stays free of ice during the winter months,
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The cuckoo pint plant (Arum maculatum) is a colourful, sometimes bizarre-looking flower that has spurred the imaginations of gardeners, naturalists and children for centuries. Native to Europe and North Africa, this perennial of the Araceae family (of nearly 1000 species) can be a nuisance due to its poison and self-pollinating nature. The cuckoo pint has
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The luna moth (actias luna) is one of the largest moths of North America from the family Saturniidae, subfamily Saturniinae, which is a group commonly known as giant silk moths. Also known as the American moon moth and lunar moth, luna moths are thought to be named after the roman moon goddess, Luna, due to
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