Welcome 'Weeds'

A 'weed' is just a plant growing, where it is unexpected or unwelcome (usually in a garden or an agricultural plot). The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) have pointed out, that some presumed weeds, might turn out to be rare plants or new location records. They also note that private gardens must be an untapped source of new discoveries. Scientists rarely enter people's gardens. The RHS recommend that gardeners take photographs of 'unusual' plants and animals, before submitting them to the iNaturalist app. Here, scientists can identify the organisms and feedback the information (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/feb/04/rhs-asks-gardeners-find-interesting-weeds-rare-plants). The RHS has taken its own advice, discovering the scarce Wood cricket in its own Wisley (Surrey) garden. Silver-washed fritillary butterflies (of conservation concern) have also been found on flowers at Rosemoor in Devon. This seems like an excellent idea, as most people have a mobile with a digital camera. Remember that leaf shape/arrangement, as well as details of the flower, can be important for IDing. Incorporating a size indicator, into the image, might also be helpful.