HerbSpeak’s mission is to unravel the mystery of the botanical world, making plant knowledge accessible in everyday life.
What does that mean? As you read different terms and concepts, you will be introduced to a new, in-depth world to explore. Science does not have to be intimidating; by breaking down the language around it, you can freely explore the curiosities of life. Is a leaf ‘undulate’ or whacky-wavy-crazy? Both!
One answer is just a succinct way of describing it in the scientific language to convey direct meaning, while the other is approachable and understandable by most everyone. There’s no wrong answer when you stay curious and open-minded.
Whether you live next to the wild unknown, or if you are stuck in big-city traffic, plants are a part of our everyday lives. Once we recall what it’s like to live within our ecosystem, we can live more fulfilled and sustainable lives. It all starts with knowledge and curiosity.
The complexities of the natural world, broken down into simple concepts. There is magic in everyday life under the label of science.
Find care guides and tips for popular houseplants, become an intuitive grower, and explore nature in containers or in-ground gardens.
We live in a diverse ecosystem where we each play a role in the health and stability of the environment. Learn what you can do here.
Calathea zebrina in the foreground, and Calathea lancifolia spotted in the background with their own darker leaf-like patterning.
The HerbSpeak blog covers topics from how plants work, to how they shape our environment. Plants are always evolving, growing, and shaping the world around us, and these organisms never cease to amaze, dazzle, and frighten.
Learn about different varieties of plants, how to care for them, how basic plant functions work, and how to identify different plant families, even if you’ve never seen that particular plant before.
In the botanical world, learning never stops. There are up to 400,000 species of flowering plants alone, which can sound overwhelming – the trick is to find what you are passionate about. Explore the website to learn more about specific topics in bite-sized pieces.
HerbSpeak was founded by Destynnie K. Berard (D.K. Berard) based on a love of the botanical world.
HerbSpeak’s mission is to make plants more accessible in everyday life, no matter where you live. We are all a part of one ecosystem, contributing to the cycle of life in our own way. By understanding the vast botanical world, we can better understand our own choices and actions, and how it affects our ecosystem.
Join her on this botanical journey and browse your favorite topics, sign up for the newsletter for the latest news and updates.
Dracaena warneckii “Lemon Lime”
Over time, you may just re-discover what its like to love learning, staying curious in everyday life. Re-discovering plants can be a long and sometimes personal journey, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let HerbSpeak help guide you and give you a voice in this budding community.
The work you see on this website community-driven, which means you have an affect on the publications you see here. Every comment is replied to, every email is reviewed. If you don’t see something you’re interested in here, just send in the idea; you might even see it as the next top article!
Or visit the Author’s Corner for an exploration of the natural world from a more personal perspective.
American ginseng has captivated the imagination of people for centuries, inextricably intertwined with humanity for as long as our history can recall. Today, it is under threat from several factors and relies on mindful conservation to ensure its long-term...
In this spotlight, you’ll learn about a wonderful outdoor botanical garden focused on highlighting native plants in the New England region. Garden in the Woods is a great way to learn more about sustainable gardening practices, ecosystems, and habitats of the...
When you’re first learning how to identify ginseng, you’ll hear a lot about ‘prongs,’ It may leave you wondering whether ginseng has thorns or not. Furthermore, there is confusion about a plant that commonly goes by the name ‘Siberian Ginseng’ that does indeed have...
When you are cultivating a new crop of ginseng, it’s important to do your research not only on how to grow the plant but also in the conditions it thrives in. Many growers choose American ginseng because it is a native plant that requires little help in growing as...
Tucked neatly at the base of the Berkshire mountains of western Massachusetts, Nasami Farm is a unique native plant nursery with a wide reach. What makes this nursery so special? Let’s take a look:Spotlight: Native Plant Nursery in Massachusetts As a local plant...
There are many plant identification apps available online, but Go Botany is different. As a plant database, rather than an automatic detection app, it is the only resource dedicated to accurate self-guided identification of New England plants. Go Botany gives users...
Native Plant Trust is becoming a household name in New England, making a positive impact on the regions’ conservation efforts and data collection. Aspiring botanists and gardeners alike turn to Native Plant Trust to provide educational resources on native plants...
American ginseng is an unassuming plant native to the deciduous forests of the United States. This plant has captured the imagination of many people across the globe for centuries, unfortunately, which is a problem for its wild population. Why is Picking Ginseng...
Over the last few years, a lot of people have begun turning to alternate methods of gardening. One ‘alternative’ method is planting native plants in lieu of the typical garden plants we might be familiar with today. Let’s take a look at why – and how – this can be...
In recent years, microgreens have become a popular choice for small-scale farmers for its ease of growing and fast turnaround. (1) Best of all, it doesn’t look like microgreens are going anywhere, as customers love them, too. “[…] quick-growing, high-yield crops...
Ginseng used to be plentiful in the United States and southern Canada, but the ‘gold rush’ of ginseng in the colonial era left the population on the decline. Today, we can change the trend and help steward in a new generation of plants. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing ginseng pop out of the ground year after year in a thriving ecosystem.
The naturalists of today may not spend most of their time sailing the seas and looking under crude microscopes, but there is still plenty to explore in the world. With the advancement of science comes an advancement in technology - which further aids science. While...
Carnivorous plants are fascinating, getting their nutrients from insects rather than the soil like other plants. It might leave you wondering just how the plants digest their insect prey – learn more in this article.
Is Mandrake the Same as Ginseng? No, mandrake is not close to ginseng either in composition or genetics. Don’t be fooled by names like ‘ginseng ficus’ or ‘human root’, as these common names largely serve to confuse between the two plants. Mandrake, like any good...
Is Panax Ginseng the Same as Ginseng? Yes, Panax ginseng is commonly referred to as Ginseng, and it is considered the original ‘true ginseng’. Also considered a true ginseng is American ginseng, also known as Panax quinquefolius. The name ginseng may also refer to...
People who buy microgreens want to improve their diets in a sustainable way. If your packaging is the wrong shape, size, or material, you’ll struggle to turn a profit, let alone stay open for business. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll understand the importance of great packaging and the best options for every scenario.
Interested in getting into the microgreens market, but worried if they’ve lost their popularity and profitability? Learn what you need to know here.
This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of these links and purchasing something, you will never pay a penny more, but a portion of the proceeds will go to HerbSpeak to help us continue to create and develop more booklets, articles, and guides just like...
As a part of The Nematode Project, I am looking for samples. There is only so much ground one person can cover, and many specimens are on private property which I either don’t have the contacts to request permission for, or the process takes a long time. If you...
Today, I'm coming forward with the announcement of an independent study that will be publicized on this blog for the foreseeable future.
Mimosa pudica is an annual tropical plant native to South America, but has been established and thrives in many countries, of which it is most often considered invasive. It is most often grown as an ornamental, as it is a fast-growing leafy shrub.
Watching grass grow might not sound exciting, but it’s quite incredible when you understand what’s going on. Learn about plant movement and just how much these sessile organisms move on the regular.
Global change happens with local, individual action. In this article, you’ll learn about how inaction hurts and what you can do about the climate crisis today.
There are so many books to read, so many possibilities. But which ones are good? See the HerbSpeak recommendations for the upcoming months!
Millions of years ago, plants were the foundation of life as we know it today. So which ones are still around, and which are extinct? The answers might surprise you.
There is so much on HerbSpeak for you to discover.
Gardening is good for the soul, and learning more about the different plants in your life is a valuable way to reconnect with nature.
Whether you are an indoor gardener exploring the world of houseplants or an outdoor gardener looking for some insight, you will find everything you need to know in this section. From plant profiles to nontoxic plants, urban farming, and much more. Discover the best in gardening in this section.
Explore the wild and colorful world around you through the deeper understanding provided by these botanical articles. Learn how wild plants alike move throughout the day, and the mechanisms that makes it possible for them to communicate with each other.
Discover science experiments, connect with flora on an intellectual level, and remember the joys of learning. These pieces dive further into the details about plants, helping foster a better understanding of this life form and how it interacts with the world.
What will your next discovery be? Find out by exploring topics in this section.
Are you searching for ways to reconnect with your environment, or better understand the changing climate? Whether we remember to pay attention or not, the environment affects our everyday lives: our mood, appetite, and daily experience.
These articles are not only educational and engaging, spread across a variety of environmental topics. Learn about global water usage, how to identify the bees in your garden, or why pesticides are harmful to an ecosystem’s balance.
Microgreens are an up-and-coming nutritional food source that comes from plants that have just been germinated but have not been allowed to grow true leaves yet. You will be surprised at the differences in nutrition, with some microgreens containing 20-40x the nutrition of adult plants when tested on certain micro and macro nutrients.
In this section, you will learn everything you need to know about microgreens, from what they are to how to grow them. Thanks to your feedback, HerbSpeak is currently putting together a full course on how to grow microgreens, and it is continuously being shaped by your feedback. Have something to request or want to add your voice? Leave a comment in this section! Below, you can explore the latest Microgreens related in this area.
In this section, you’ll get an inside look into several different products, from gardening trays, to gardening gifts, bird feeders, and much more.
This is a great way to look for a product related to gardening or nature. Have something to say about a product that has been reviewed? Add your voice in the comments – the more reviews, the better! Check out the most recent reviews and learn which choice is right for you.
Enjoy more in-depth information about how to identify, grow, and harvest your own American ginseng crop in HerbSpeak’s new book: How to Grow Ginseng.
In this book, you’ll learn everything you need to know about growing ginseng – specifically American ginseng, Panax quinquefolius – and how to care for this wonderful plant from seed to harvest.
Beyond that, you’ll learn why such a small root has earned such an honorable reputation, and what you can do to help keep this plant in our lives no matter what your motivation for growing ginseng is.
Your journey into the world of ginseng starts here.
By D. K. Berard
Second Edition Pre-Orders coming soon!
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