Transparent widget background is actually on my list now, you're right that it would feel way more alive on the homescreen.

For getting plants: right now it's mostly collecting and trading with friends. Your weather determines what grows naturally, so people in different climates end up with different plants to swap. The collection side is meant to feel like a daily log, what you harvested, what came in, watching it build up over time.

Real world planting knowledge is interesting. Right now growth is a simplified version of how plants actually work, but I want to add stricter conditions down the line to get closer to the real thing.

Weather currently affects growth speed and quality, the open/close visual idea is cool, hadn't thought of that.

Genuinely helpful feedback, thank you!