Valerian

I'm away for a couple of days now, so I just wanted to thank everyone for stopping by and leaving such kind and interesting comments .. I will be back on Sunday to reply to everyone and visit you all again. Until then, I leave you with a little photo of the Valerian which is just coming into flower, as we were talking about it this week.

Sunflowers and Strawberries

I know I've posted twice already this month about the Sunflowers and Strawberries.. but you're going to want to see them again, just look!








I was so relieved to see my sunflowers after the buffeting they must have taken.. they are sheltered on two sides by brick wall and chimney stack and I think they were lucky that the direction the strong winds came in was shielded. My tomatoes and sunflowers get to share this best sunny sheltered spot. The first bloom is still going strong but now the others are opening to join it .. I was so thrilled!

The first strawberry is turning a lovely red (as well as doubling in size!) - I have carefully placed the clump containing the large red strawberry inside a glass jar, so that our resident blackbird doesn't get to dine on it before I do.

Bean Update

The weather here was atrocious over the Bank Holiday weekend .. gale-force winds and torrential rain .. so I was extremely concerned about my poor veggies struggling manfully up on the roof, exposed to the elements. But everything seems to be not just surviving, but thriving and I am so delighted (and relieved!)

Most of you know that I am growing heritage dwarf french beans (you can see previous posts about them here). Well, I figured it must be time for another Bean Update, as we now have actual BEANS!! The beautiful deep dark purple variety haven't come out too well in the photo as I didn't want to disturb them, but are looking good.

Mystery Peas

Remember my mystery peas, which I was given by a lovely lady at the North London Organic Gardener's Society?

Well one or two of them have distinct red markings now, which Rebsie at Daughter of the Soil kindly suggested I look out for. This means when they grow up they will be purple-podded peas! I can't wait .. having never grown peas before, its all magical to me.



Its just a little red ring where the leaves join the stem? By the way, the big marbled leaves you can see which the peas are scrambling over belong to the round courgette I am growing this year.. the magnificent foliage was a lovely surprise and I'm looking forward to the fruits!

These veggies are comfortable bedfellows in the cold frame where they are hardening off and gearing themselves up for planting out anyday now.

Saving the World

Want to help fight climate change? Install the '350 Challenge' badge on your blog and Brighter Planet will offset 350 pounds of carbon in your name... so what are you waiting for? Earth and Tree is in!



Thanks to Earth and Economy for alerting me to this initiative, and for posting this wonderful list of 50 simple ways to save the world...

Speedwell

Regarded as obsolete by herbalists today, Speedwell (veronica officinalis) was a popular healing herb in the middle ages in Europe, known as ‘herba Veronica majoris’.

It was formerly taken internally for nervous exhaustion and stomach upsets, as well as for bronchial, arthritic, rheumatic and skin complaints, and was used externally for minor injuries. The name ‘speed well’ is testament to its reputation as a healer!

An infusion is now suggested for digestive problems, diarrhoea, coughs and colds or as a gargle for mouth and throat infections.

A bitter, astringent herb with weak diuretic and expectorant effects.

Flowers June to August.




PLEASE NOTE: These notes on the history and use of herbs have been compiled for general interest and are not intended as medical advice, for which you should consult a professional herbalist.

BIBLIOGRAPY:
‘Herbs and Healing Plants of Britain and Europe’ Dieter Podlech (1987)
'A Modern Herbal' Mrs M. Grieve FRHS ed. Mrs C. F. Leyel (1973)
'The Herb Society's Complete Medicinal Herbal' Penelope Ody MNIMH (1993)
'RHS Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses' Deni Brown (2002)

Full Moon and Valerian

Clear skies last night and a beautiful full moon .. I popped my head out to see the stars twinkling above my herbs (the joy of a roof garden!) and snapped this shot of the valerian tops silhouetted against the moonlight

Strawberries and Sunflowers

Forgot to show you these, which I took while my internet was down last week - the first sunflower of the year, and the strawberries' first blush..

Insight

It seems to be the season for tagging! Thank you to NatureWitch for nominating me for this little survey .. another fleeting insight into the person behind the blog:

1. What was I doing 10 years ago? I was studying at the University of York for an MA in Early Medieval Studies. I couldn't believe how lucky I was to be carrying out my research in the wonderful setting of the King's Manor.

2. What were five things on my "to-do" list today? When you have ME, your 'to-do' list should never have 5 things on it! Today I hope to pot on some herblings for the Hedgewitch summer stall.

3. Snacks I enjoy 'Cocoa Loco' healthy snack bars which are great if you're a chocoholic like me but didn't ought to be (!) They are made of great stuff (raw dates, raisins, peanuts, almonds, walnuts, oats and apple juice) but have some cocoa in them so they kind of satisfy that chocolate craving.

4. Things I would do if I were a billionaire I hope I would use my funds and influence to support people less fortunate than myself and campaign on behalf of the Earth.

5. Places I have lived My beloved London, except for short spells in Yorkshire studying (see above). I have been settled in Tottenham for a good five years now.

6. People to tag I'm going to throw this open to anyone who feels like having a go..

Tree Tribute

Time for this month's tree tribute. As its May, I thought we might indulge in a bit of a blossom fest? One of nature's real joys each year, for me, at least.

A real treat this month has been learning from Cheryl at My Wildlife Sanctuary how the Hawthorn 'blushes' once it has been pollinated in the spring. Her post includes a marvellous photo which captures the lovely pink tint on the white blossoms.

Blushing Hawthorn

The perfect companion to this is Dave's hawthorn post at Osage and Orange which shows the varieties specific to his part of the world. My favourite thing about blogging is how much I learn from other bloggers and how it has made me think much more globally.

Hawthorns in Columbus Park

Also on the springtime blossom theme, I would highly recommend a visit to Ruthie's blog to see her crab-apple blossom in all its glory (as well as some spectacularly colourful birds!).

Colours of Spring

Enjoy your trip!

The Yoga of Herbs

I've been tagged in a meme by Elspeth Thompson, a writer and broadcaster on gardening and greener living who has a wonderful new blog following her progress converting Victorian railway carriages into an eco-home.. fantastic! I am looking forward to following the progress of this exciting project. Although a little shy of memes in general, I have really enjoyed the links on Elspeth's post and have found some delightful new blogs to visit this way.

Here is the deal: you pick up the nearest book set in a foreign country and then..

1) Open page 123
2) Find the fifth sentence.
3) Post the next three sentences.
4) Tag five people and acknowledge who tagged you.

When I stood in front of my groaning bookshelves, I wasn't entirely sure that I had a book set in a foreign country.. but a small book which I had been meaning to look into again caught my eye and I knew it was the one!

My book is 'The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine' by Dr David Frawley and Dr Vasant Lad and it is another of my highly treasured charity shop finds. Indeed, I would never have come across the wisdom contained in this wonderful book if it had not been for an anonymous kindly soul donating it, as it is marked 'for sale in South Asia only' in imposing capital letters! It was purchased at the Aarushi book shop, opp. Domino's Pizza, Connaught Circus, New Delhi for 180 rupees, according to a beautifully printed flourescent pink sticker inside the front cover.



I was drawn to this book by my interest in finding out more about the ayurvedic system of healing since taking up yoga. As in Chinese medicine, but unlike Western approaches, Ayurveda is centred around constitution 'types' (the 'dosha's) and aims to identify and correct underlying imbalances (the cause) rather than merely carry out symptomatic treatment of disease (the effect). The book offers a basic understanding of the ayurvedic use of herbs and is invaluable for its reference appendices which list the characteristics of many common Western herbs in ayurvedic terms as well as some of the more traditional Indian plants that are now available more widely.

Anyway, turning to page 123 I laughed out loud .. despite the fact that this little book had travelled all the way from Delhi, what herb should I find on this page but Hawthorn Berries?! However, sticking specifically to the rules of the meme, the sentences selected from this page form the closing section for the herb on the previous page, Golden Seal (Hydrastis candensis). I like this little passage, because it reminds us how powerful plants are and that they have effects on many different parts of the body, which must be borne in mind, other than the part we are hoping to treat:

'However, it is not a panacea for all diseases. It has a negative impact on good intestinal flora and has many of the contraindications of antibiotic drugs (it is good to use in place of them). It is contraindicated in most deficiency conditions, most conditions were a nurturing therapy is appropriate.'

This is what the book, and healing system, is all about .. considering and balancing effects on the whole body. Maybe not the most edifying or enlightening 3 sentences ever written, but what I love about my books (and I do LOVE books, can you tell?) is that they are little treasure chests of knowledge and wisdom, in highly concentrated form, painstakingly brought together and passed from one human being to another. A thought or poem or philosophical idea can be life-changing .. but my 3 sentences could be life-SAVING!!

Many thanks to Elspeth for nominating me and providing the impetus for fishing out this book and reading it cover to cover this week. Now I get the chance to point you in the direction of another five fantastic blogs which I enjoy and would like to share .. I am not asking them to join the meme necessarily (unless keen to do so), but rather taking the opportunity to highlight their work. Enjoy!


Naturewitch .. I love the monthly Moon Gardening post which details the optimum timings for each gardening task according to the phases of the moon. Naturewitch blogs passionately about the need to grow our own food .. lots of good, practical posts and information.

The Ayurveda Way .. How could I not include Q's fantastic blog?! The quality rather than the quantity of posting shines through and I have found myself going back to re-read the most recent, on 'Breathing', many times. A calming, thoughtful space reminding us to take the time to breathe, sleep, heal and give ourselves what our bodies need and are crying out for.

The Herb Gardener .. Anyone who enjoys herbs will love Sara Elliot's friendly welcoming blog full of growing tips and recipes, along with a whole separate blog devoted to Lavender! Its soft brown tones and resident snail give this blog a lovely feel and the short informative posting style is perfect.

My Wildlife Sanctuary .. No day would be complete without a visit to Cheryl's wildlife garden in Kent. This lady is an inspiration and kindred spirit. If you have yet to discover her blog you must go now, this very instant, and see for yourself! Copious beautiful photographs and writing from the heart: a true daily journal following the lives (and loves!) of the wildlife she carefully nurtures.

Daughter of the Soil .. Rebsie is a folk singer and anti-GM campaigner whose passion is growing heritage vegetables. She generously shares her immense knowledge and experience on her blog which follows her experiments in the garden and is the most wonderful resource. A lovely person, freely giving expert advice and encouragement to others, who writes in a down-to-earth, friendly and informal style.

Human Rights

This post forms part of the 'Unite for Human Rights' blog event today. Where to begin, what topic to choose? Its so overwhelming.



The issue that springs to mind most quickly for me, of late, is the plight of Tibet and this year's Olympic event in China. And the bigger issue of news blackout and control of the press, generally, which also brings to mind what's happening in Burma at the moment.

A fortnight ago, I walked up the road to my local school and voted in elections for the Mayor of London. My chap didn't win, but my vote was counted and my voice was heard... which is not the case in Zimbabwe.

Yesterday I received a letter from my MP at the House of Commons to whom I had written expressing my concerns about the need to strengthen the climate change bill. It was a standard response, of course, but if everyone sends a letter he will take notice (else he won't get re-elected).

The right to protest, indeed, the right to express an opinion, is something that we in the West take for granted.. while some bloggers run the risk of jail and worse every time they publish a post?

We are complacent about our freedom to vote and protest in this country, and not enough of us get out and do it regularly. When confronted with the enormity of global human rights abuse it feels hard to know how to effect change ... maybe the answer is to make full use of those rights we are so lucky to have!

Visit Amnesty International and take action now.

Carrot and Geranium Salve

Yesterday I made a new batch of Carrot and Geranium Salve, which is cooling, soothing and nutritive for any dry and chapped skin. The ingredients are totally natural, healing and wholesome (as opposed to the synthetic components in commercial preparations which include byproducts of the petrochemical industry), you can make it easily at home and it keeps indefinitely. So I love it! I use mine as a lip balm, which I apply morning and night. I can also recommend it for when you have a cold, and the skin on your nose becomes red and sore and chapped through constantly using tissues: put some salve on at night before you go to sleep and be amazed how it heals!

The basic carrot salve recipe comes from a wonderful book 'Herbal Remedies: A practical beginner's guide to making effective remedies in the kitchen' by Christopher Hedley and Non Shaw which is full of very simple but effective remedies which you can make from vegetables, herbs and spices readily to hand with no fancy equipment or utensils needed. It really got me into having a go at home-made remedies.

The original recipe gives the proportion of 1 part beeswax to 5 parts oil, although I use much more beeswax than this to give a more solid ointment more appropriate to a lip balm. Beeswax is so nutritive and healing on its own, that the higher the content the better, I find. I am lucky enough to have been given an ample free supply by a bee-keeping friend, but you can buy beeswax granules fairly readily. You don't need to use any particular fine or expensive oil for this recipe. Regular sunflower oil is perfect, though I start a new bottle of organic oil for making the salve.

The quantity specified depends on the size of your carrots, but makes rather a lot so you might want to halve it. Yesterday's batch made about a pint which fills enough jars to give several away to friends and relatives while still supplying enough for general use for the next few years. You need to collect and clean/ sterilise lots of little glass jars. I like to save little jam and marmalade pots, but I also reuse containers, some plastic, which had other creams or beauty products in.

As well as thickening the recipe with extra beeswax, I have also changed it by adding a drop or two of essential oil at the end of the process. You really don't need any more than this to impart a pleasant fragrance to the salve (which on its own doesn't really smell of anything). Geranium seems to suit very nicely, and actually has its own skin soothing properties which makes it an ideal choice.

General hints and tips are:

1. If you're anything like me, you WILL get drops of oil everywhere so have a kitchen roll to hand, and run a sink full of hot soapy water before you start!

2. Its not dangerous or difficult to do, but you will be heating oil.. so don't allow yourself to be distracted (this is not a recipe to do with children running under your feet or a phone that needs answering nearby)

3. You always need more jars than you think you will!


Carrot and Geranium Salve

Take two plumptious fresh organic carrots



Wash and grate them, then put them in a large frying pan and just cover them with sunflower oil. Fry gently until the oil turns orange and the carrot is soft.



Remove from the heat and, when cooled slightly, strain into a pyrex jug.



This is your infused oil. To thicken this into an ointment, place the jug into a pan of gently boiling water. The water level should be lower than the level of the oil in the jug. Keep it simmering very gently on a low heat, while adding chunks of beeswax to the oil. Stir occasionally with a wooden spatula to encourage the beeswax to melt and disperse.



To test the consistency, pour a little of the mixture into one (the smallest) of your clean jars and allow to cool.



Return the jug to the pan and add more beeswax if you would like a thicker (more solid) ointment. Once the mixture is ready, remove from the heat and allow to stand and cool slightly. When it is only warm rather than hot, add one or two drops of geranium essential oil and mix in well before pouring into the remaining clean jars.



You will notice that as the ointment sets it forms a little dimple in the centre. This is supposed to happen and isn't a problem. If you want a more perfect finish, most books say you can keep a little mixture back to reheat and use to top up the jars (I have never felt the need!)

Technology

Well here I am, back in action! Its been a strange few days .. no internet, plus two four-hour power cuts in 3 days.

No phones, no radio, no telly, no internet, no kettle .. no noise, no distractions! You know there was something nice about the quiet, and it did me no harm at all to have a long soak in the bath by candlelight and an early night. And I kind of liked making my tea with a pan of water over a flame on the stove. It reminded me that the act of infusing plants to make beneficial drinks is not some dark art or hippie new-age thing but something that all of us do all the time without even thinking about it. And this is how it should be.. health and well-being enshrined in the everyday, habitual acts which constitute the unglamorous business of being.

Its all got me thinking. Firstly about how little we actually NEED. Secondly about how peaceful and stress-free it is not having news and information blaring out all the time. Thirdly about how although we humans like to think we are so clever and sophisticated and technologically advanced, etc, we are still just as subject to the whims of nature and our environment as any other animal.. we are NOT all powerful, as we sometimes seem to think. And yet we mock or look down upon those cultures who show deep reverence and respect for the Earth as under-developed. In western society we tend to value science, technology, 'progress', and so forth much more highly than simple, everyday, 'down-to-earth' skills and common sense. We don't value our own intuition as much as we perhaps should.

You know what was wrong with our internet? The box outside containing the technology was getting too hot in the sunshine.. that's why it would activate once the heat of the day had passed and it had cooled down again.

Anyway, an interesting few days. No need to be concerned .. there's no danger of me taking off and living in a tent in some farflung corner of the globe, I am who I am and that just wouldn't be me! But a little balance and taking time out to find some peace now and again .. that's a lesson its always good to have refreshed and uppermost in mind?

Apologies

Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm still out here, but have very 'intermittent' internet access so I am unable to blog properly and visit you all. An engineer is coming out on Monday to try and fix the problem, but until then I may not be able to get online. Hope to be fully functional and back with you all very soon!

Garden Update

Just in case anyone is under the impression I never have any problems in my little garden... I present evidence to the contrary!



I think a little slug got into the cold frame. One day there were happy sweetpea seedlings, the next day .. there weren't!! (Its OK, I had a couple more which I rescued in time.

Otherwise, everything in the garden is doing well, as far as I can tell. I really like the variegated apple mint foliage, the chives are just opening and the herbs are generally verdant.

Strawberries and Sunflowers

Its a glorious morning! I have just been up on the roof with my morning cuppa to check on my garden and I'm pleased to report that the veg all made it through the night. The little windbreak round the beans seems to be working, the tomato plants I planted out are perky and the de-cloched carrots seem to have recovered themselves nicely. Its so warm, and the strawberries and sunflower heads are forming .. roll on summer!!

Bean Update

Time for a little bean update, I thought .. they are looking so pretty right now that I just had to show you! For anyone just joining in the fun, here is the story so far:

Beans Unfurling

Beans Mean Business

Reaching for the Sky

They are planted out now, I staked them and have created a little wind-break round them to try and give them a chance to get used to the elements gradually. Am like a very nervous parent, constantly popping up to check on them!



The flowers are SO pretty, they make my heart glad to see them. People wonder why I only grow veg and herbs, rather than ornamental plants. I like my plants to be useful. And I find the flowers and blossoms and shapes and colours and textures are so varied and exciting and wonderful that I don't need anything else!

Elderflower Cordial

Just wanted to share this link to an Elderflower Cordial recipe which I was very kindly sent by Naturewitch... I know some of you out there will like to see it too.

I now have my very own elder in my herb garden, a young tree which obligingly self-seeded itself into a tub.. you can imagine how thrilled I am! It is small enough that I think it has a good few years before it becomes too large for the roof garden, and it is covered with little flowerbuds. Many of the local elder trees are already in bloom, so I'm looking forward to seeing the first blossom on the Hedgewitch tree sometime soon.

Elder

The Elder (Sambucus niger) has been referred to as ‘the medicine chest of the people’ and revered down the ages for its healing abilities. Superstitions around placating the Elder Mother, such as asking her permission before cutting a branch, and against removing Elder trees may very well stem from this usefulness. The Latin name is from the Greek ‘sambuke’ meaning ‘musical pipe’, as the shoots were traditionally hollowed out to be used in this fashion.

There is so much folk-lore surrounding the elder that it would be difficult to even summarise it here, but here is a late 17th century example. Elder leaves were gathered on the last day of April and affixed to doors and windows. This is very interesting as elder leaves are insecticidal .. so buried in the folk belief that the plant would deter ‘evil spirits’ is a practical measure to prevent insects and the bacteria they carry entering the home.

This insecticidal property can be utilised by gardeners: a decoction of young leaves sprinkled over delicate plants and flower buds is supposed to keep off aphids and caterpillars. An infusion of the leaves can also be used as an insect-repellent by dabbing it about the person to prevent being bitten by midges and the like.

All parts of the elder have medicinal properties, though the flowers are favoured nowadays. The flowers and fruits are used internally for colds, catarrh, flu and fever and the bark for constipation and arthritis. Externally, the leaves or bark will help minor burns and chilblains, while the flowers treat inflamed skin, mouth ulcers and minor injuries.

The are many ways in which elder can be used in the domestic setting: a small muslin bag of elderflowers in the bath is suggested for irritability of the skin and nerves and the ointment (traditionally made from equal parts of elderflowers and lard) is an old remedy for chapped hands and chilblains. Elderflower tea is considered ‘spring medicine’ and is taken every morning before breakfast for some weeks as a blood purifier. It also effective if taken at the onset of flu, especially if combined with yarrow and peppermint.

A bitter, pungent, cooling herb which lowers fever, reduces inflammation, soothes irritation and has diuretic and anti-catarrhal effects. The leaves are insecticidal, antiseptic and healing.


Flowers June to July

Pick the leaves in the summer and use fresh. Strip the bark in late winter (before new leaves appear) and dry for decoctions. Collect fully open flowerheads and dry whole, then strip the flowers.



CAUTION: The leaves and berries are harmful if eaten.

PLEASE NOTE: These notes on the history and use of herbs have been compiled for general interest and are not intended as medical advice, for which you should consult a professional herbalist.

BIBLIOGRAPY:
‘Herbs and Healing Plants of Britain and Europe’ Dieter Podlech (1987)
'A Modern Herbal' Mrs M. Grieve FRHS ed. Mrs C. F. Leyel (1973)
'The Herb Society's Complete Medicinal Herbal' Penelope Ody MNIMH (1993)
'RHS Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses' Deni Brown (2002)

Hawthorn

Also known as ‘may’, Hawthorn has long been considered sacred and the custom of going ‘a-maying’ and choosing a May Queen pre-dates Christianity. The hawthorn has a close association with crowns, most significantly with Christ’s crown of thorns, but also with the English succession, as Richard III’s crown was found hanging on a hawthorn bush after the battle of Bosworth. The name ‘hawthorn’ reflects its habit and history, as ‘haw’ is an old word for ‘hedge’.

Hawthorn was traditionally used to treat kidney and bladder problems, but since the late 19th century its main application has been as a heart remedy and today it is used to treat heart and circulatory problems. An infusion of flowering tops can be used for poor circulation and a decoction of the flowers and berries, both astringent, will treat sore throats.

An aromatic, diuretic, astringent, tonic, warming herb which improves peripheral circulation, regulates heart rate and blood pressure.

Flowers May - June



PLEASE NOTE: These notes on the history and use of herbs have been compiled for general interest and are not intended as medical advice, for which you should consult a professional herbalist.

BIBLIOGRAPY:
‘Herbs and Healing Plants of Britain and Europe’ Dieter Podlech (1987)
'A Modern Herbal' Mrs M. Grieve FRHS ed. Mrs C. F. Leyel (1973)
'The Herb Society's Complete Medicinal Herbal' Penelope Ody MNIMH (1993)
'RHS Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses' Deni Brown (2002)

Queen of the May

To celebrate May Day, I thought I'd share this photo from the Hedgewitch herb garden. She was rescued from a skip by a friend who saw her and thought of me .. as soon as I saw her, the name 'Flora' popped into my mind and I have always thought of her as Queen of the May. She sits in a quiet corner, like a guardian spirit, amongst the herbs and helps to create a special atomosphere.