Choose a Plant Ally

What It Is

Picking one plant species to observe, care for, research, and build familiarity with across seasons.

Why It Helps

Hedge witches knew their local plants intimately—medicinal properties, growing patterns, folklore. Choosing a plant ally reconnects you to the more-than-human world and gives you a relationship that asks nothing but attention.

What You Need

One plant. Could be a houseplant you already own, something in your yard, or a wild plant you visit regularly. A way to learn about it (field guide, app, or online research).

How to Do It

Choose your plant. Learn its name—common and scientific. Observe it weekly. How does it change? What does it need? Research its traditional uses, folklore, and ecological relationships. Talk to it if that feels right. Notice what you learn by paying attention.

This Is Not Worship

It’s botanical study and ecological relationship-building. Naturalists, herbalists, and gardeners do this all the time.

Variations

Keep a plant journal with sketches and observations, grow it from seed, propagate it to share, or learn to use it in tea or cooking if it’s edible/medicinal.