{
  "id": 356944,
  "title": "I was an AI skeptic — until I started using it to identify plants",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/i-was-an-ai-skeptic-until-i-started-using-it-to-identify-plants",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-08-09T07:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/home/outdoors/i-was-an-ai-skeptic-until-i-started-using-it-to-identify-plants"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A gardening enthusiast once dismissed artificial intelligence (AI) as unreliable for plant identification, but a recent visit to Arundel Castle and Gardens in the U.K. changed their perspective. Upon discovering a mysterious bloom, the individual turned to AI for help, using free apps on their smartphone. After taking a clear photo of the plant in question, they uploaded the image to Google Gemini, an AI-powered tool designed to identify plants. Within seconds, the AI provided a detailed response, identifying the plant as Cleome hassleriana, also known as the spider flower. The AI described the plant's distinctive features, such as its bright pink flowers with long thread-like stamens, and offered care tips. The identification process proved quick and accurate, leaving the gardening skeptic convinced that AI could be a reliable companion for plant identification.",
  "summary": "Can AI replace a seasoned gardener’s eye? I put it to the test.",
  "key_points": [
    "AI skeptic becomes enthusiast after plant identification experience",
    "Uses Google Gemini app to identify spider flower in seconds",
    "AI provides accurate plant description and care tips"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The author's experience with AI-powered plant identification at Arundel Castle and Gardens has shifted their stance on AI reliability, now seeing it as a useful tool for gardening enthusiasts.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}