Common Cluster Flies Copulating (Pollenia Rudis)

Spring has not yet arrived; we are still officially in the grip of winter. However, despite the lingering chill in the air, when the clouds part and the sun is granted permission to bathe the environment in its rejuvenating rays, the unexpected warmth draws out the early explorers. Among these are the Common Cluster Flies … Continue reading “Common Cluster Flies Copulating (Pollenia Rudis)”

White Helleborine (Cephalanthera Damasonium) – Documenting Growth of Wild Orchid

Wild Orchids are not something I routinely see in my woods. As a matter of fact, in over 2 years that I’ve been browsing the forest daily, this is the first time to have come across some. I don’t remember seeing any last year or the year before. Only this year. I have already made … Continue reading “White Helleborine (Cephalanthera Damasonium) – Documenting Growth of Wild Orchid”

Ajuga Reptans (Bugle, or Bugleweed) – Edible and Medicinal but Underappreciated

In this video I talk about Ajuga Reptans, a plant commonly known as Buggle or Buggleweed. This plant is edible and has a long history of medicinal use, but despite all its potential, it remains vastly unappreciated by herbalists and the general public alike. Ajuga Reptans Much as the Ground Ivy which I introduced to … Continue reading “Ajuga Reptans (Bugle, or Bugleweed) – Edible and Medicinal but Underappreciated”

Bird’s Nest and Helleborine – Two Unique Orchids Growing in My Woods

Despite the severe drought that’s plaguing the vast parts of Europe this spring, or maybe thanks to them, the woods where I live have bloomed with a rare and a unique type of Orchids. The Bird’s Nest Orchid is not all that rare, at least as far as the Orchids are concerned, as it is … Continue reading “Bird’s Nest and Helleborine – Two Unique Orchids Growing in My Woods”

Magic Trick Using Milky Sap of Toxic Cypress Spurge (Euphorbia Cyparissias)

In this video I perform a simple, but fun magic trick using the plant called Cypress Spurge (Euphorbia Cyparissias). This plant is toxic and contains milky sap which can also be toxic to sensitive individuals. Consequently, it’s not advised to try the magic unless you are sure you will not have an allergic reaction to … Continue reading “Magic Trick Using Milky Sap of Toxic Cypress Spurge (Euphorbia Cyparissias)”

Ground Ivy (Glechoma Hederacea) – Medicinal and Edible Plant with Many Uses

Today I’m out harvesting Ground Ivy (Glechoma Hederacea) – it’s a useful plant that’s edible, medicinal and abundant. It grows an extensive root system which easily breaks and when broken, it encourages the plant to grow more shoots, so you can’t really overharvest the plant. For this reason it’s known as Creeping Charlie in the … Continue reading “Ground Ivy (Glechoma Hederacea) – Medicinal and Edible Plant with Many Uses”

Early Morel (Verpa Bohemica) Season Is Here – How to Identify This Edible Mushroom

Today I’m taking you mushroom picking and we’re after Early Morels. Alongside True Morels, Early Morels are among the first substantial edible mushrooms of the year (unlike Scarlet Elf Cups, which are also early season mushrooms, but very scarce and rather small, and thus unsubstantial). They grow in early spring and are delicious. They can … Continue reading “Early Morel (Verpa Bohemica) Season Is Here – How to Identify This Edible Mushroom”

Early Spring Rain Draws Out Slugs, Dung Beetle and Fire Salamander

By looking at the calendar, one sees it’s the late April, so technically Spring. However the weather says it’s still Winter. It still freezes over night, and daytime temperatures barely hang above zero. Nevertheless, we just got an early spring rain and as I walked through the woods afterwards, I encountered previously familiar sights which … Continue reading “Early Spring Rain Draws Out Slugs, Dung Beetle and Fire Salamander”

Blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa) – Hardy Bushes in Full Bloom

Even though I filmed this video very early in the season, when hardly anything else blooms, leastways not among the trees and bushes, Blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa), also known as “Sloe” in England is all out. Yet in my climate, even though it’s technically already Spring, we get at best +6 degrees Celsius during the day, … Continue reading “Blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa) – Hardy Bushes in Full Bloom”

Coltsfoot (Tussilago Farfara) – How I Harvest and Use the Medicinal Plant for Health

I want to tell you about the herb which has a documented medicinal use going as far back as Ancient Greece or the Roman Empire. The herb is Coltsfoot (Tussilago Farfara). Coltsfoot Identification Coltsfoot is an early season plant which usually blooms between March and April. It’s perennial, meaning it grows year after year from … Continue reading “Coltsfoot (Tussilago Farfara) – How I Harvest and Use the Medicinal Plant for Health”