Now that spring has arrived and we’re venturing back into our backyards again, you might be looking to try your hand at gardening. For seasoned horticulturists, stepping out into the wilderness of an overgrown winter garden is a walk in the park, but for anyone less familiar with botany, this unfamiliar territory can be a challenge, especially if you don’t. don’t know what plants you’re dealing with. with.
If this situation sounds familiar and you have an iPhone, you’re in luck. What you probably didn’t know is that the handheld device you use every day has a nifty built-in feature that helps you identify plants (as well as birds and insects) with a simple tap. press of a button. No more guessing what that bush at the end of your court maybe or write a description of this mysterious flower in a search engine, now you can let your phone do everything for you. Here’s how.
(Image credit: Apple)
Before you even get to grips with your garden, it helps to know what flowers, shrubs, and existing trees you are already dealing with in your outdoor spaces. You might be quick to run to download a plant identification appbut did you know that your Apple iPhone actually has something built into your camera roll that you can use?
Dubbed “Visual Look Up” by Apple, it is supported on all iPhone models from 2nd generation SE onwards. The technology works by identifying the visual image of a flower, shrub or insect and showing you the official name of that specific fauna, allowing you to plan your landscaping ideas like a boss.
It works with existing photos already in your photo library as well as new photos you take on your phone, so you can use summer snaps from your flower bed when it was in full bloom last year to get a more accurate result.
How to Use Visual Look Up on iPhone
(Image credit: Getty)
1. To use Visual Look Up, you must first open a photo from your photo library in full screen.
2. Swipe up or tap the photo to view icons. If a small “information” symbol with the letter “i” in a circle and a flickering icon is visible in the bottom banner, this indicates that Visual Look Up information is available for this photo.
3. Tap the icon that appears on the photo to display Siri Knowledge and more information about the item. It should say “Look Up – Plant”. Visual Look Up should then identify the plant species, listing the correct name alongside a link to a Wikipedia page for that plant so you can learn more about how to care for it in your modern garden.
Visual Look Up can also be used to identify and learn about popular landmarks, statues, art, pets and more in the Photos app, so don’t forget to use it next time. time you go out to a new place. It’s like having a personal expert guide in the space of your back pocket!
Now all you have to do is get into serious gardening with your newfound knowledge. We love the 2023 gardening trends for cut beds and vertical gardeningbut now that you know all the flora and fauna in your garden, your options are limitless!
Don’t have an iPhone? For a more old school approach, try one of these books
Gardener’s Handbook, Amazon
The Old Farmer’s Almanac is America’s longtime trusted gardening resource. Detailed photos accompany expert advice and inspirational ideas, giving gardeners of all experience levels the tools to succeed and enjoy creativity.
Encyclopedia of Flowers and Plants, Amazon
Consider it the gardener’s bible. This comprehensive yet easy-to-use planting guide is what every beginning gardener needs in their library. It includes a photographic catalog of 4,000 plants and flowers grouped by type, size and color, as well as a detailed “Plant Dictionary” describing over 8,000 species and varieties, and their ideal growing conditions.
Plant Families: A Guide for Gardeners and Botanists, Amazon
There are literally hundreds of plant families that all include thousands of different species. This is an easy-to-use guide to getting acquainted with the main plant families that every budding horticulturist, gardener or botanist should know. It teaches readers how to identify and understand the structures of flowers, trees, grasses, shrubs and bulbs, all accompanied by beautiful illustrations.