Earth and Tree

Soup Magic

2012-01-31T06:06:00.000-08:00

January has not been great... everyone is sick and/or grumpy. But there was a moment of magic today! In my constant effort to not waste food, eat more veg and cook from scratch, etc I knocked up a soup for lunch. I had a slightly wrinkled and unappetising-looking celeriac languishing in the basket of roots, so I looked up a recipe for celeriac soup. I wasn't expecting much - the list of ingredients looked so innocuous, nothing exciting. You know, an onion, a stock cube, a bit of milk.

But it totally rocked!

And so I am reminded of the power of soup to be more than the sum of its ingredients. We had it in giant mugs with crunchy slices of bread toasted under the grill with a drizzle of oil and pinch of thyme. It was full of flavour and it cheered me up and made me feel better about the world and everything in it.

And the little'un dunked his crunchy toast in the soup and scooped it up and yummed it down with great enthusiasm (before falling off his chair while attempting to imitate the washing machine which just went into spin cycle - its OK, I caught him by the ankle - no harm done!)

So there we are .. whatever the problem is, I think the answer is probably soup.

Solar Power Campaign

2012-01-28T12:50:00.000-08:00

Friends of the Earth would like you to help put pressure on David Cameron over the government's intentions with regard to solar power .. you can read the full details here.

Just thought I'd spread the word .. please pop along and sign the letter if you've got a minute!

Rosehips and Ice

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

Beautiful freezing (literally!) morning and a walk along Alresford Creek, about 3 miles from home. No-one about, really peaceful and the air was full of birdsong. Stopped to listen to a robin singing to us from his perch up in a bush just a few feet away, such a beautiful sight and song.

Little'un loved the new game of cracking the ice where the muddy puddles had frozen over (there is no better fun than muddy puddles when you are nearly 3, and this was a whole new take on them!)

Collected just a few rosehips and took photos so I can try to identify the type, having been inspired by Moongazing Hare's interesting wild rose post. Am determined to start learning these things! There were several rose bushes which all appeared to be the same and towered high over my head with the reddest plumpest fruits right at the top out of reach.

The hips are about 2cm long and the bushes had backward facing hook-shaped thorns. I am wondering whether this makes them rosa rubiginosa, as many of the hips appear egg-shaped and the bushes had red-tinted stems?

January Skies

2012-01-12T04:34:00.000-08:00

Tuesday morning this week, I pulled back the bedroom curtains to a stunning sky ..

in the east the most colourful sunrise you could ever imagine full orange and peach, lilac and purples turning pink and lighting up the sea to the south on the skyline..

then directly opposite in the west a beautiful white disc full moon sitting snugly on top of the early morning houses in a picture postcard blue sky.

I grabbed these snaps on my mobile phone whilst leaning out the bedroom window, but they don't really come anything close to capturing the colours.

So wonderful to see both the sun and the moon both in their full glory in the sky at once. Happy New Year to you all and wishing everyone clear skies and plain sailing in 2012!

Evergreen

2011-12-13T12:52:00.000-08:00

I love the tradition of bringing greenery into the house during the darkest part of the year.. a reminder that the earth is only sleeping and will burst into life once more once she has shed her old layers, rested and renewed herself.

I made this little wreath for the front door from the evergreens in the herb garden, its just bay and rosemary. They both smelled divine while I worked with them. Had intended (indeed, still intend!) weaving a scarlet ribbon and adding pine cones, berries and other decorative bits later this week.. but it just looked so simple and fresh and green that I couldn't bring myself to do it yet.

This year we finally have an eco christmas tree which is actually growing in its pot and will live beyond the Christmas festivities. Yes, before you ask, it drops needles.. but I don't see that as a problem. I hoover them up. I like the ritual of watering it a little every day. Its nice to have something to nurture at a time when we are no longer out working daily in the garden.

Yesterday, driving through the winter countryside I saw mistletoe growing high up in trees for the first time.. a magical sight and it made me determined to look up some of the folklore surrounding this and other plants associated with this time of the year. I filled the hanging baskets by the front door with lovely variegated ivy which, like mistletoe, had its use banned by the church for its strong pagan (ie pre-Christian) associations.. yet they are still widely used, along with holly, though I am sure not many folks would now know why.

Share with me anything that you know .. and I'll add links or a new post if I find anything interesting?

UPDATE (Dec 30th 2011):

Found this wonderful Susun Weed article about Rosemary which includes the following:

"Old herbals hint that rosemary exerts its influence magically as well as physically. Burned as an incense, twined into a wreath, or grown in a pot, rosemary protects the house and those who live in it, especially the women..

Rosemary is a traditional Christmas decoration – partly because it smells good, and partly because pruning rosemary back mid-winter makes it stronger and healthier. So don’t hesitate to cut bunches of it for beauty."

Castle Park

2011-11-24T04:57:00.001-08:00

Walking through Castle Park, kicking up the leaves and bothering the squirrels as the sun started to sink on a crispy autumn day..

My son loves the bandstand .. he thinks the HaaHoos live there (from in the NightGarden)

We have our picnics on this bench under this tree in the summer months, looking out over the park

Some evergreens, some trees already bare silhouettes and some in the act of disrobing, scantily clad in gold and scarlet!

The Last Chilli

2011-11-20T12:26:00.000-08:00

Its all about red this November ... here is my last chilli! I haven't grown them before, but a neighbour gave me a couple of cayenne pepper plants and I have so enjoyed them, and they did really well. Harvested the last one yesterday. Have used some, dried some and frozen lots so will see what works best for next year. Wanted to make a chilli infused oil, but there seems to be a big scare about botulism so decided it isn't worth the risk to myself or loved ones!

On the red theme, here is my November strawberry, too

Red for Remembrance

2011-11-14T13:10:00.001-08:00

Taking a moment to remember the fallen

Apples and Pears (cont)

2011-11-11T08:03:00.001-08:00

In case you were wondering what I did with all those apples and pears .. well, firstly I made mulled spiced pears and figs for Christmas presents. This was one of those torn from a magazine recipes now creased and splattered over time. We had the bit over that wouldn't fit into the kilner jars while it was still warm with a little vanilla icecream. Remains to be seen if the other jars make it until Christmas and actually leave the building!

Mulled Spiced Pears and Figs

200ml white wine vinegar
400ml ruby port
250g soft light brown sugar
heaped tspn mixed spice
a cinnamon stick
7 pears, peeled and cored and cut into 8 wedges
250g ready to eat dried figs, cut into halves

Put the vinegar, port and 200ml water in a pan with the sugar and spices. Stir, bring to the boil, then simmer for 35mins. Add the pears, bring back to the boil and cook for 2-3mins. Transfer the pears to a bowl and stir in the figs. Boil the liquid in the pan for about 10-15mins until halved in volume. Pack the fruit tightly into sterilised jars, top up with the syrup and seal.

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And I made these apple soul cakes from a marvellous apple recipe post at Tales of a Kitchen Herbwife (thankyou, Sarah!). We had them still warm from the oven with mugs of tea while watching fireworks outside on Bonfire Night. I had been reading about soul cakes and the tradition of leaving little cakes outside the front door to appease any wandering souls on Halloween, so was really excited to stumble across this recipe.

Colour

2011-11-07T13:06:00.000-08:00

Picked a big splash of colour for the kitchen table yesterday ... not bad for November?

Calendula

Cerise Queen

A rose we inherited with the house .. it has no fragrance, but the blooms are beautiful as a cut flower.

Black Cats

2011-11-04T07:49:00.000-07:00

Here is Elsie curled up in her basket beside me as I type .. we celebrate her birthday on Halloween, because she came to us at about 6 months old (acc. to the vet) so we counted backwards and she must have been born sometime in October so we picked Halloween for her special day, being a black cat. She came to me at a turning point in my life and was my constant companion in difficult times. She was a proper alley cat, we watched her out in the snow with her mum crawling from beneath one car to another in the car park outside our Tottenham flat, as a warmer bonnet presented itself. Then we didn't see her mum anymore but she was around, always covered in an oily slick from the underside of the cars. I put cat food out for her .. people who knew about cats said it would take weeks if not months for her to approach, but the second day she ate while I sat and watched and then followed me indoors. Wasn't sure about anyone else at first, so the first night I slept in the lounge where she had set up camp rather nervously in the corner. As I dosed off to sleep on the sofa to my surprise she jumped up on top of me and curled up on my tummy. And there she stayed... that was seven years ago. She's not a sociable sort of cat. She doesn't suffer fools gladly. She is definitely her own cat. People are generally disappointed. But I like her style.

On the subject of black cats, we have a Hallowe'en story to tell.... when the little'un woke from his afternoon nap it was just starting to get dark, so we sat at the kitchen table with our milk and bic-sits and I lit the candle in our pumpkin lantern for him to see. As I turned to draw the blinds I saw a black cat outside the kitchen window .. as it saw me it jumped right up onto the windowsill. Straight away the little'un said 'Hello Elsie', but she was fast asleep upstairs. This was another black cat who technically lives a few doors down from us but is something of a wanderer .. we hadn't seen him since June. I daren't let him in (Elsie would never forgive me) but I took him out a bowl of milk. I can't remember the old sayings about black cats and which direction they have to cross your path in, but I'm taking his visit to us on halloween as a sign of good luck for the coming dark days ahead of us.

Many thanks to Zen Kitty for inspiring this black cat post.

Pumpkin and Spice

2011-11-01T07:51:00.000-07:00

Made a pumpkin soup for Halloween, and it was SO nice to grind the toasted spices, the fragrance filled the kitchen. Carved the pumpkin into a little lantern, too.

Apples and Pears

2011-10-26T02:57:00.000-07:00

We have been blessed this week with a rather wonderful crate brimming with apples and pears from mum-in-law's garden. Its been a bumper crop for both this year and I've been busy devising more and more schemes to make the most of them, having distributed the bounty as far and wide as possible amongst friends and neighbours. One of the things I love about this time of year and its abundance is the passing on of tips and recipes for storing, freezing, preserving and baking of produce.. I am learning so much. We eat a lot of porridge in the winter, so I have stewed and frozen plenty of fruit to put on top. We only have a small freezer, though .. already made a huge batch of chutney, so looking up new recipes. Please share yours if you know some good ones?

Have found this book from the Soil Association invaluable this year as it has good illustrations of the different varieties of fruit and vegetables and tells which are best for which sorts of thing. Also, as well as full-blown recipes, it has lots of quick and easy ideas for enjoying produce simply (which is ideal when you have a glut and aren't able to spend too many hours in the kitchen!), such as yesterday's upside down cake (recipe to follow)

Pear and Ginger Upside Down Cake

Thickly butter an 8'' sandwich tin and sprinkle liberally with light soft brown sugar.
Lay peeled, cored pear halves attractively on top (I did slices).
Beat 4oz each softened butter, light soft brown sugar, wholemeal SR flour with 2 tspns ground ginger, 1tsp baking powder and 2 eggs.
Spread over the pears.
Bake at 190degreesC(375degreesF/Gas 5) for 20 minutes until just firm.
Turn out.

Vine

2011-10-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

We inherited this beautiful vine which grows over our flat-roofed extension (housing our lounge). Its such a lovely thing because it gives shade in the hot part of the year (we are south-facing) but dies back in the winter to let maximum light into the house. We had plumptious dark purple grapes this year, because or inspite of the vigorous haircut we gave it, we're not sure. It is so rampant that it is almost scary .. it has a certain triffid-like quality! But I like it best just about now when it is crimson and every leaf is completely different in pattern and colour.

Sea Finds

2011-10-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

Beachcoming on Monday .. a wonderful new way to get a bit of fresh air, tramping along the beach in Brightlingsea where I live. First day wearing anorak and wellies rather than vest and sandals! I love the sound and the smell and feel of the wind and the waves obliterating everything else and transporting you away from your thoughts and troubles to a different place with a wonderful soothing tidal rhythm.And then there's the treasures! I'm officially out collecting sea glass to make pendants (see my craft blog) but the thing that intrigues me most is the sea pottery. Pieces of discarded man-made pot which the forces of nature have broken and tumbled and smoothed to create new treasures. And while my nose is firmly pointed at the floor I'm starting to notice all the little seaside creatures and goings on which are all new to me.

Scarlet and Seedheads

2011-10-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

Beautiful afternoon and a chance to soak up the October-ness in the garden.. I love all the scarlet tinges, up the fences and in the leaf litter, a nice foil for the various seedheads.

Fennel seedpods decorated with a bit of spiderwebbiness.

Pretty rosehips.. I love the bright colour.

Sunlight in the creeper which I let grow over the shed roof. Do you remember my Queen of the May from the Tottenham roof garden? Here she is in her new home.

Moon

2011-10-07T09:15:00.000-07:00

Just the view from my bedroom window yesterday evening. Love to watch the moon. Suddenly all the little things are just that, little. And I'm back in the bigger picture. As I watch I think all the people who went before me looked up at the moon, and all the people who come after me will do just the same. And its a nice feeling.

Blackberries

2011-10-04T06:48:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful morning! We went blackberrying in the sunshine yesterday and came home stained but happy.

Combined with some aged eating apples in a crumble, and have three bags stashed away in the freezer for future puddings and smoothies.

Also made a blackberry oxymel - this is a new thing for me, its from the 'A Year with James Wong' book. Have put the blackberries in a jam jar and covered with cider vinegar and in ten days' time I have to strain it and then it should keep in the fridge. Plan is to dilute it in hot water with honey for a vitamin C drink for the little'un in cold and flu season (and me too, come to that!).

Tree Tribute

2011-10-02T07:11:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd reinstate the monthly Tree Tribute post, as I'm very excited about two wonderful tree projects I stumbled across over the weekend. The first was The Tree Year where participants are observing and blogging about a particular tree throughout the cycle of the year.. I love the idea of forming this special relationship and just taking the time to stop and notice on a regular basis. I am looking about for suitable candidates and pondering, hmmm.... Then I came across this fascinating tree wrapping project in which people are tying cloth around trees and leaving them for a few seasons then removing them dyed with the plant's secretions and weathering to make unique textiles. This strongly appeals to both the spiritual need to connect with nature and also the desire to make craft to celebrate and reflect the earth. Double hmmmm...Here is an interesting article on reviving the ancient custom of tree-wrapping found in many cultures:

By wrapping certain trees we are re-establishing a respectful partnership between people and plants. When we wrap the trunks of our beloved trees, we are subtly advocating a kind of tree awareness which in turn promotes an active stewardship of the trees in our midst.

Jan Johnsen

Conker

2011-10-01T06:46:00.000-07:00

It may be 28 degrees C, but it is also trying to be autumn! I thought you might like to see the little'uns collection of treasures from our recent outing to the nearby Beth Chatto Gardens which has a wonderful woodland area. We collected some beautiful leaves, some acorns (which didn't make it home - expect they'll turn up in the glove compartment or my glasses case or somewhere untoward!) and this fantastic feather, which we think might have belonged to an owl? The conker is from Brightlingsea, the first one of the season. I've always loved picking up conkers, so I was pleased to discover in one of the James Wong books that you can actually use them for healing, rather than just knocking the seven bells out of other conkers with them (must be a boy thing!). If I had, or knew anyone with, varicose veins I would definitely be making them this.

Indian Summer

2011-09-29T04:34:00.000-07:00

Glorious sunshine, not a cloud in the sky! A good chance to have a look at what's happening in the garden.

Most of the vegetable patch is long over, but it is still home to a bumper patch of rainbow chard and a thriving row of chives. I planted calendula and nasturtium seeds in the little strip of soil between the veg bed and the path and have been pleased with the colourful display.

I have had masses and masses of calendula flowers for making oils, salves and tincture and drying for teas and the more you cut it the more it comes again (everything in my part of the garden has to be useful as well as beautiful and beautiful as well as useful, if you see what I mean!)

New Moon

2011-09-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome back!I have had a long pause in my blogging (and crafting) while I became a mum and moved house from London to the Essex coast .. the last two years have been a demanding but exciting time for me and my family. I've loved every minute, but as I am not someone who welcomes upheaval, generally, I can't say I'm sorry to at last feel settled. As the autumn leaves have begun to fall, I have found the ideas starting to flow and the urge to craft and create becoming overwhelming again. And now that I have the time and inspiration again, I am so looking forward to reviving Earth and Tree and reconnecting with like-minded bloggers. So New Moon, new beginnings! Please bear with me while I re-arrange the blog furniture and make myself comfortable, then settle down and enjoy.

National Tree Week

2009-11-28T04:48:00.000-08:00

Those in the UK might be interested to know about the Tree O'Clock event which is taking place next Saturday, 5th December ... a mass tree-planting exercise! You can either go along to one of the many local planting events or you can pledge to plant a native species tree at home. All the information you need can be found at Breathing Places, which is well worth a visit even if you can't participate in the event.

"To help celebrate National Tree Week, BBC Learning has teamed up with Guinness World Records for Tree O'Clock – a nationwide challenge to plant as many trees as possible within a single hour, uniting the nation in an event which will provide a lasting legacy and an amazing learning opportunity for all ages.

At 11.00am on Saturday 5 December everyone is invited to join in and "do one thing" for nature by simply planting a tree and, in doing so, learn the benefits of plantingthe right tree in the right place.

In a recent survey for The Woodland Trust, 86% of people asked said they would like to see more trees being planted in their local area. And over 70% said if they had a wood within walking distance it would encourage them to exercise."

Supermarket SOS

2009-11-14T02:21:00.000-08:00

Got the chance to try out some remedies this week, in my battle with a horrible flu thing. Not having my usual stocks of herbs and remedies, for one reason and another, I was unprepared and at something of a loss - but its amazing what you can still do with just a quick trip to the local supermarket these days. Fresh sage, fresh lemon thyme, a squeezy pot of organic runny honey, a couple of lemons and a big lump of ginger. And a ferret around in my box of essential oils. Here are some things that really worked ..

Strong cup of sage tea with a dollop of honey stirred in for a sore throat - gargle with each mouthful before you swallow.

Lemon Thyme tea with dollop of honey stirred in for nose, throat and chestiness - this one was better made in a pot and allowed to brew for a good 10minutes.

Steam inhalation for congestion - washing up bowl, hot water and a few drops of Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Peppermint essential oils - towel over your head and inhale!

A few drops of the same oils in a table spoon of carrier oil (I used sweet almond but sunflower oil would do) as a chest rub and in the bath for when you start coughing and/or it goes to your chest.

For mornings when your cold is so bad you think you will never be able to get going: lemon juice and several slices of root ginger in hot water, strong as you can take it with a nice dollop of honey mixed in. I peeled and crushed some of the ginger to get the juice. You can feel this warm you up all the way down to your toes - and its great when you can't taste anything anymore, because you will definitely taste this.

And as soon as you feel the slightest suspicion of a cold coming, take a garlic capsule every day I'm sure this lessens the impact and gets rid of it faster. I also tried a Nigel Slater thing - roasted a whole head of garlic, then popped the flesh out of each clove and spread the puree onto toast. It was absolutely delicious and I sure being in the warm kitchen smelling the roasting garlic in the oven didn't do me any harm either.
Hope this helps someone else out there feeling poorly and miserable!!

Please contribute any tried and tested cold and flu remedies that you set store by?

Pumpkin

2009-11-07T06:32:00.000-08:00

I was given an ENORMOUS pumpkin for halloween this year ... so I've been looking up recipes as I'm determined not to waste any!

This recipe is from my Abel and Cole organic box newsletter. They have lots more pumpkin recipes on their fab website, too.

Pumpkin Muffins
225g pumpkin flesh
2 eggs
tspn ginger
1/2 tspn cloves
125ml milk
50ml honey
50g brown sugar
2 tbspn butter
175g plain white flour
1 tspn baking powder
tspn cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees C. Steam the pumpkin flesh until tender then puree and allow to cool.

Mix together the eggs, milk, honey, sugar and butter and mix with the pumpkin.

Combine flour, baking powder and spices and add to the pumpkin mixture. Stir to mix but don't overmix.

Pour into muffin pans and bake for 18 to 20 minutes (makes 12).

Halloween Herb Workshop

2009-10-22T03:25:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful way to spend Halloween! In case anyone else is in the area and is interested ...

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The Witches Halloween Flying Ointment Workshop

Saturday 31st October 10.30am -5.00pm

Come and meet the wonderful witching plants

This workshop will introduce you to some of the solanaceous and other plants associated with witches and flying. We shall be using all our senses of observation and concentration to tap into a communication with the Herbs. We shall look at their use in herbal medicine and the history
£60
concessions available
We would like a deposit of £20 if you would like to attend

At Lee Valley Village YHA, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire
Well connected from London
In lovely surroundings with reasonably priced
accommodation available

karen 07865081927 / Fi 07830195745

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Trees for Health

2009-10-22T03:17:00.000-07:00

An interesting article by The Woodland Trust on the benefits to human health of woodland .. and another good reason to support their work!

Babe in the Woods

2009-06-30T04:40:00.000-07:00

This one's for Cheryl .. I don't really go much for sharing personal things on my blog as the internet is such a vast public space and I'm a very private person. So I might even remove this in a few days time. But just one little (albeit quite anonymous) photo of the newby!

This is littleun's first trip to the woods - it has been so sweltering here in London that we headed for the shady trees at Queen's Wood, Muswell Hill. There had been a monumental thunderstorm and downpour the previous evening and it was so refreshing - it smelt clean and green and earthy.

Recycle for Wildlife

2009-06-25T07:48:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share this request I received today for us all to donate our old mobile phones to FFI who can get a £5 donation for each phone received to put towards their wildlife conservation work..

"Did you know your old mobile phone could help FFI to save gorillas and other endangered wildlife around the world?

FFI is today launching a campaign calling for individuals, companies and schools to send us their old mobile phones. It is designed to coincide with Recycle Week, the official UK campaign to encourage people to recycle more.

For every phone received, FFI will receive about £5. It's a great way to support our vital conservation work without spending a penny."

Full information on where to send your old phone at the
Fauna and Flora International website.

Midsummer

2009-06-24T01:37:00.000-07:00

Just a little shot of the St Johns Wort bobbing in the breeze! One of my favourite plants.. I have to decide whether I have the heart to cut and use it to make an infused oil, or whether I want to enjoy it in the garden.

The buds were ready to burst at the weekend, but the lovely little yellow flowers always open the week after midsummer - which shows how aptly named it is, as St John's Day is June 25th, I think.

Nature

2009-06-19T06:04:00.000-07:00

Nature is a wonderful thing. Visiting my somewhat neglected roof garden, I was amazed at how much was going on up there, mother nature left to her own devices and just doing her thing!

In particular, I got a handful of huge plumptious ripe strawberries to eat still warm from the sunshine...

... these grew from runners which planted themselves into neighbouring pots, giving me a tangle of strawberry plants with lots of luscious berries. Yum!

North London Herb Events

2009-06-06T02:20:00.000-07:00

Just to let you know about some exciting herbal events taking place this summer/autumn in North London...

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Paula at Lemon Balm , a lovely new herbal shop and therapy centre in Camden, is conducting a

Special Midsummer Herb Walk and Picnic in Regent’s Park
Tuesday, 23rd June, 7pm
Meet at Lemon Balm, 76 Parkway, London NW1 7AH.
£10 per person (concs £5).
Book now on 020 7267 3334, or via shop@lemonbalmonline.com

"Join Medical Herbalists Paula Grainger MNIMH and Kristine de Block MNIMH as well as the Lemon Balm team to celebrate Midsummer’s Eve with an evening stroll through Regents Park and Canal, discovering all the wonderful herbal plants growing wild in the heart of the city. We’ll talk about the magic and folklore associated with these plants as well as their place in the modern Herbalists’ Apothecary. Please bring a contribution to the picnic."

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The lovely ladies at Sensory Solutions, who travel the country dispensing herbal wisdom from their airstream trailer, run a range of courses, including a

Superfoods Berry Day
Walk 'n' Workshop with The Wild Wicked Witches
Sunday 27th September
10.30am - 5.00pm
Lee Valley Village YHA, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire.
£60 / £45 concessions - deposit £20

Fiona: 07830 195 745
Karen: 07865 081927

sensorysolutions@hotmail.co.uk

"Come and experience autumn through our Native Superfoods, the berries and hips that
grow around us. Autumn is the perfect time to gather all the last hips, fruits and berries to preserve them for those valuable vitamins to protect us from colds and flu's over the colder months. You will learn to recognise the plants and also how to make a delicious medicinal tincture. "

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Do let me know if you have details of other courses, workshops or events and I'll update the noticeboard regularly!

Forty Hall

2009-05-26T09:29:00.001-07:00

A lovely day out in the sunshine at Forty Hall, Enfield on Saturday - the first time we had explored the beautiful grounds. Picnic lunch by the lake watching this family of Canada geese..

and a walk through the lovely walled garden, including beautifully laid out herb beds..

The extensive grounds are looked after by the London Borough of Enfield as Forty Hill Country Park and are open to the public free of charge - well worth a visit if you are in the area.

Chickweed

2009-05-11T06:59:00.000-07:00

An extremely prolific weed, chickweed (stellaria media) is an abundant source of edible and medicinal foliage. It has traditionally been harvested as a vegetable, cooked like spinach or used in salads or soup. It has also been used as a healing herb for centuries. The name ‘chickweed’ derives from its use as food for birds and domestic fowl and ‘stellaria’ comes from the Latin ‘stella’ or star, relating to the shape of its flowers.

Chickweed is used internally to treat rheumatism and chest infections, externally for itching skin conditions, eczema, psoriasis, urticaria, ulcers, boils and abcesses.

The leaves infused in oil make a simple remedy for dry, itchy skin (try adding a tablespoon to bath water for eczema) and a poultice of fresh leaves in muslin can be used for inflammation or external abcesses (use the water you boiled the herb in to bathe the affected area). However, chickweed is mostly used in the form of an ointment which is cooling when applied to piles or sores.

A soothing, cooling herb that relieves itching and promotes healing.

Flowers bloom from March through to late autumn, the leaves closing up at night to protect tender buds and shoots.

Collect the whole herb from May to July, when in best condition.

CAUTION: Do not use during pregnancy; Excess causes diarrhoea and vomiting.

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:
'A Modern Herbal' Mrs M. Grieve FRHS ed. Mrs C. F. Leyel (1973)
'RHS Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses' Deni Brown (2002)
‘Herbs and Healing Plants of Britain and Europe’ Dieter Podlech (1987)

Moon and Cloud

2009-04-13T09:32:00.000-07:00

Popped my head through the hatch to visit my roof garden for the first time this year..

.. to be greeted by the moon and a single fluffy cloud in a clear blue sky!

Climate Change Film

2009-03-31T03:22:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to pass on this message from Friends of the Earth - those of you in the UK can help campaign for climate change by going along to the cinema and watching a fab film ...

"The Age of Stupid is a new film about the consequences of dangerous climate change that's showing in cinemas around the UK. The makers of the film are also calling for action at the UN Climate talks in Copenhagen.

The more people who go to see the film early on the better the chance of a bigger global release. That will get the message about climate change out to new audiences."

You can find full details, watch clips and get a list of cinemas and times here.

Queens Wood

2009-03-29T05:26:00.000-07:00

If you go down to the woods today, you'll never believe your eyes ..... well I couldn't anyway, the floor was carpeted in beautiful wood anemones which I had to stop and admire.

This is Queen's Wood, Highgate, and we were only passing, so I couldn't stop for a proper walk, only stretch my legs a little and drink in the fresh smell of the earth and trees and spring sunshine (5 minutes later it was hailing!). I'm hoping to visit again soon to see some of the other woodland flowers.

I also loved the way this fragile pretty blossom contrasted against the dark knarled bark of a tree trunk - old man winter garlanded with soft spring flowers.

Earth Hour

2009-03-25T03:50:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, 28th March, the WWF are organising a 'Switch it off!' campaign to highlight global warming. At 8.30pm local time, people all over the world will be switching off their lights to signal to their governments the urgent need to tackle climate change.. please help to spread the word!

You can sign up to register your support and find resources for making your own blog post and visit the WWF's Earth Hour website for further information .. hope you'll be joining in?

Spring

2009-03-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

With the Spring Equinox last week and Mothers' Day at the weekend, it really feels the time of year to celebrate burgeoning new life. For me this spring is especially magical as I have just given birth to my first child, a wonderful little son.

I took these baby animal pictures last year on a visit to a farm with some good friends who had recently become parents. Now the wheel has turned another year and I am looking forward to going again with my own little one. Enjoy!

Tottenham Marsh

2009-03-12T05:12:00.001-07:00

Beautiful March sunshine here in London and it really feels like spring has sprung! We took a lovely walk along the canal at nearby Tottenham Marshes and got these wonderful photos.

Its so peaceful there - despite being adjacent to main roads and a busy built up part of North London. And the trees were budding, and there were ducks, swans and geese to be fed..

.. and just wonderful to feel the sunshine on your face!

More info for anyone in the area who fancies a visit here

Chicken Out Update

2009-01-22T23:24:00.000-08:00

Those of you who read Earth and Tree last year (with their speakers on!) will remember the cacophony of chicken noises which greeted them from the 'Chicken Out' campaign banner we had flying.. this is a campaign in the UK to get the food industry, especially the big supermarkets, to clean up their act on chicken production and welfare and to get consumers to buy free-range rather than intensively-reared birds.

Thought you might like to read this update on how the campaign is going and what is being planned for 2009...

New television programme
Watch out for Chicken, Hugh and Tesco Too which is scheduled to air on Channel 4 on Monday 26th January at 9pm. This is a follow-up film to last year’s Hugh’s Chicken Run series and documents what happened when I became a Tesco shareholder as part of my fight to improve chicken welfare.

Poultry welfare forum
The plan to create a Poultry Welfare Forum which represents all the stakeholders - the farming industry, retailers, restaurants, government, campaign groups and consumers - has come to fruition and, late last year, we managed to hold an initial meeting of key players. Six themes were identified for further discussion. They were:

1. Agreeing an acceptable standard for British poultry welfare
2. Providing clear labeling for consumers on chicken standards
3. Ensuring progress on chicken welfare is not thwarted by lower-welfare imports
4. Achieving a better understanding, both within and outside the industry, of different health and welfare standards
5. Exploring dynamics between welfare and other sustainability issues
6. Stopping price wars so that chicken is not sold at less than production cost

I hope to have an updated report on all these issues in Spring 2009.

Compassion in World Farming
Compassion in World Farming is the leading international farm animal welfare charity, with a 40 year track record of successful campaigning on issues such as battery caged hens and veal crates. Their support has already been crucial to the Chicken Out! campaign and I’m delighted to announced that they will help me take it to the next level. CIWF have been appointed by the new Poultry Welfare Forum (see above) to co-ordinate discussion on the issue of transparency and consumer information. They will also be taking over the day-to-day running of the Chicken Out! website, giving links to the latest welfare news and providing some of the educational materials that many of you have asked about. I will still be providing my regular updates and you’ll next be hearing from me again after the airing of Chicken, Hugh and Tesco Too when we have an exciting online challenge we will be launching after the programme!

Please do check out the website over the next couple of months with much more to come, as we take the campaign ever onwards and upwards. Remember, we couldn’t have achieved all that we have so far without your magnificent support, and we still need it!

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

January

2009-01-10T04:35:00.000-08:00

Well here we are in January!

The cold snap has brought some wonderful bright sunny frosty mornings to enjoy in my part of London and beautiful peach and lilac sunsets illuminating stark dark tree silhouettes.

Time to hibernate in the warm and try to avoid all the coughs and colds lurking about - the elderflowers that I dried last autumn are standing by (but I hope I shan't be needing them!)

Here's the link to last year's post, in case anyone needs it:
Making Elderflower Tea

Rowan

2008-11-27T06:17:00.000-08:00

Also known as 'Mountain Ash', the Rowan tree (sorbus aucuparia) was once widely planted for its supposedly beneficial effect in driving away witches! All parts are astringent and have been used in tanning and producing a black dye. The wood was traditionally used for poles and barrel hoops.

The bark and fruit (either fresh or dried) have been used medicinally - a decoction of bark is taken for diarrhoea and the ripe berries are used to make an astringent gargle for sore throats and inflamed tonsils. To stimulate the appetite, a teaspoonful of rowan jam taken daily is recommended.

Flowers May to July
Fruits in 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)

Woodland Appeal

2008-11-26T08:40:00.001-08:00

I'm wondering whether anyone in the UK who sees this in time might be able to help - The Woodland Trust are appealing for people to ring up and vote for their project to create a new wood near Colchester, Essex to win lottery funding (see details below).

The phone number to ring is 0871 626 8803 and the call must be before midnight tonight (Wed 26th November).

Many thanks for your help!

****** FROM THE WOODLAND TRUST WEBSITE ******

We need your urgent help. Our appeal to create a new wood at Elmstead Market in Colchester Essex has the chance to win nearly £50,000, as part of the Big Lottery Fund's People's Millions contest - but only if it gets enough telephone votes.

As well as protecting ancient woodland and providing habitat for endangered wildlife, like barn owls, buzzards and water voles, the new wood will provide people with more green spaces - if we can raise enough funds.

If you'd like to help, please call the voting number which will be released during the ITV Anglia East evening news and on the Big Lottery Fund website from 9am until midnight - on Wed 26th November.

Thank you in advance,

Mark Brown
Woodland Trust grants officer

Oak Galls

2008-11-09T06:44:00.000-08:00

This morning I stumbled across these photos lying forgotten on my phone since a wonderful late summer walk in the Essex/Suffolk countryside back in August. There were lots of these galls on the oaks we passed, along with lots of healthy looking acorns.

I particularly liked this (slightly blurry!) one, where you can see the tinge of red..

I didn't know anything about oak galls, except that they were used for making ink in medieval times and had a lot of tannin, so I did a bit of reading up and thought other folks might also like to see the links I found. I had no idea that there were so many different types and was glad to discover that the wasps that make them don't pose any real threat to the trees.

Here's what the RHS have to say, here's a picture of a 'Knopper Gall' which seems the closest to my photos (double click to enlarge)

Here are Wikipedia entries on the 'Knopper Gall' in particular and Gall Wasps in general

and here is a link to the British Plant Gall Society with instructions for recording oak gall sitings.

The Herb Society

2008-10-04T07:37:00.000-07:00

For those interested in herbs, its well worth visiting The Herb Society's website. They have a wonderful journal for subscribers, but now there are also a number of very interesting articles published online and available for non-members too .. this month a piece on Herbal Vinegars and a very good summary of the History of Herbs in Britain. For those in the UK, there its also a good way to find details of events and courses. Enjoy!

Oak

2008-09-27T08:56:00.000-07:00

The Greeks held the oak tree (Quercus robur) sacred and the Romans dedicated it to Jupiter. In the pre-Christian west, the oak was associated with thunder-gods such as Thor because of its low electrical resistance which caused it to be struck by lightening. Couples married under oak trees before the advent of Christianity, when preaching often took place under the shade of an oak - leading to 'gospel oak' place names.

The oak is the emblem of hospitality and strength. Its bark, leaves and acorns all have medicinal uses. The bark is used to tan leather and dye wool purple, while the acorns are used to feed swine.

The astringent effects of oak were well known in ancient times and Galen applied the bruised leaves to heal wounds. The decoction has been used as a gargle in chronic sore throat and the decoction of acorns and bark, made with milk, has been considered an antidote to poisonous herbs and medications.

It is the bark which is now mostly used in medicine - it is collected in the spring from young trees and dried in the sun. It can be taken as a substitute for quinine in intermittent fever, taken with chamomile flowers, and is useful in chronic diarrhoea and dysentery.

A bitter, strongly astringent, antiseptic herb which reduces inflammation and controls bleeding.

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:
'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)

Equinox

2008-09-22T10:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Autumn!

A time to relax and draw breath .. and enjoy the fruits of the earth. Lately I've been eating wonderful crispy jacket spuds and sweet local apples. And stewing lovely Bramley apples to mix with blackberries in crumbles and pies.

You can download this beautiful September calendar here

And you can read a little bit about the Autumn Equninox here

First Fruits

2008-08-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

Its late summer and its lovely feeling the season slowly change. I'm looking forward to autumn - my favourite time of the year.

Honesty seedpods:

Looking forward to blackberrying:

Walk in the Woods

2008-08-11T03:32:00.000-07:00

Hello again!
And many thanks for all the kind comments you've left for me over the last couple of weeks. I'm sorry that I haven't been able to join you all of late.

I had a wonderful trip out last week walking in woods not too far from where I live and wanted to share the experience with my Earth and Tree friends ..

It was so soothing to walk beneath the trees in the green, and breathe the soft air.

These photos were taken in woods at Trent Park, which were once part of the royal hunting estate of Enfield Chase, dating back to the fourteenth century. They show part of a rectangular moat which surrounded a medieval manor complex.

Green Metropolis

2008-07-10T03:07:00.000-07:00

Apologies for my absence over the last week or two and for not being able to respond to comments as usual .. I'm hoping to be back to something approaching usual service soon!

Meanwhile, I thought others out there might be interested in Green Metropolis, which is a site I just started using for recycling my vast collection of paperbacks. Basically, you list your available paperbacks as available and if someone wants to buy one then they pay Green Metropolis £3.75. Of this, £3 goes to the seller (who then posts the book on to the customer) and a donation is made to the Woodland Trust. Sellers have the option of donating any money they make to the Trust as well, which is what I intend to do. Its a great way to buy paperbacks, too, because a new one is £6.99 or £7.99 in the shops so you can get a used one in excellent condition for half the price and save some trees!

I've been listing my first batch of books this week and found the site very easy to use - quick and helpful and efficient - you just type in an ISBN and the database does everything else for you. So if it sounds like it might be of interest, I'd recommend popping on over and having a look.

Chicory

2008-06-30T05:12:00.000-07:00

Continuing the 'blue skies' theme, the first chicory flowers opened yesterday.. I haven't grown this herb before (you may remember I bought one from Herbal Haven at the Capel Manor show) so it was with great delight that I found it in all its glory.

Dave from Osage and Orange posted a beautiful piece in defense of chicory a while ago, in which he mentioned that the flowers only open for a day. So I grabbed the camera immediately! The plant has thrown up a very tall spike which has many many buds, so although the two blooms from yesterday may not last, I am hoping for more to come.

Blue Skies

2008-06-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

We've had fair weather and blue skies this week and I'm reminded how soothing it is just to look at the sky and the clouds drifting by. I've been in need of calm and fresh air .. so here is a little post dedicated to cool, blue, fresh air and calming skies.

Vervain just coming into flower, silhouetted against the summer sky.

Sky-blue borage blooms against slate roof tiles.

Garden Update

2008-06-22T08:07:00.000-07:00

Just an update on what's happening in the garden today... some purple-podded mystery peas

and a lovely bowl of heritage dwarf french beans for my tea tonight!

Summer Solstice

2008-06-20T08:48:00.000-07:00

Today is the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere .. the longest day. The day when the sun which warms and energises us reaches its finest hour in our part of the world. Many cultures have revered the sun, often as a powerful 'Father' figure.. and it feels appropriate that we celebrated Fathers' Day last Sunday, in the same week. And many religions have some kind of festivity or celebration around this time towards the end of June.

I am in the habit of having a little barbecue in the roof garden one evening around the time of the longest day, and hope (weather permitting!) I might be able to do this over the weekend. Usually a very simple affair using one of those little disposable barbecue trays. I just enjoy being able to sit and eat outside in the evening, and stay for a while enjoying the light and warmth. Its a great opportunity to appreciate the garden in its full flower and be grateful for the sun's energy which brought it all to life.

Astronomical explanation of the summer solstice

Twenty facts you didn't know about the summer solstice

Produce

2008-06-18T02:01:00.000-07:00

I am happily harvesting produce from my little vegetable garden in the sky. Granted, there is no danger of my vegetable-growing supplying anything like our total household requirements! But that was never the point of the exercise.. rather to be involved with the life-cycle and changing of the seasons. But at present, I'm finding that there's nearly always something fresh to add to each meal: a strawberry or two to slice on top of my morning cereal, a sprinkling of radish and spring onion to garnish my lunchtime salad and a handful of carrots to enjoy with my main meal in the evening. And this is just from a couple of window box containers.. which means anyone anywhere can grow their own fresh organic veg!

Sunflower

2008-06-14T06:59:00.000-07:00

Native to Mexico and Peru, the sunflower (Helianthus annus)was grown by native peoples for 3000 years before its introduction to Spain in 1514. It was much revered by the Aztecs, whose temples to the Sun had priestesses adorned with sunflowers and contained representations of sunflowers wrought in pure gold.

The herb has been used widely for medicinal purposes in Russia since a Siberian woman healer successfully treated malaria using the stems and heads macerated in vodka to stimulate perspiration. Another folk remedy describes the same effect being obtained by wrapping a patient with malarial fever in sunflower leaves under a cloth moistened with warm milk.

The seeds have diuretic and expectorant properties and have been used to treat bronchial, laryngeal and pulmonary disorders as well as coughs and colds (including whooping cough). They are traditionally prepared by boiling in water, straining and combining with equal parts of gin and sugar then taken several times a day in teaspoonful doses.

Externally, sunflower is used as a base for massage oils and liniments for rheumatic complaints and muscular aches.

A nutritious herb which lowers cholesterol levels and soothes irritated tissues.

Sow seed thinly in March and pot on when 3 or 4 leaves have formed. Grow on in gentle heat or a cold frame. Harden off gradually for planting out in May.

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:
'A Modern Herbal' Mrs M. Grieve FRHS ed. Mrs C. F. Leyel (1973)
'RHS Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses' Deni Brown (2002)

Strawberry

2008-06-13T08:36:00.000-07:00

Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is a helpful herb for the skin and digestive system. The astringent properties of the root and/or leaves are useful in diarrhoea and the fruit is recommended for feverish conditions and as a cure for rheumatic gout.

Culpepper suggests strawberry as a cooling remedy for wheals on the face and hands, which is supported in the traditional practice of running a cut strawberry over the face straight after washing to whiten the skin and remove slight sunburn.

A cool, moist, astringent, tonic herb with mild diuretic and laxative effects.

Gather the leaves in early summer and dry for infusions.
The roots can be lifted in autumn for use in decoctions.

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:
'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)

Herb Garden

2008-06-12T02:25:00.000-07:00

So much is happening in the herb garden at the moment - it is such a joy, because every time I go up onto the roof there is something new to see. So, today, here are photos of two old friends opening their flowers and turning their faces towards the sun...

Top: Feverfew, Bottom: Yarrow

Mystery Peas

2008-06-11T05:45:00.001-07:00

Stage 1 of the mystery is solved! One of my mystery peas has flowered and is now producing its very first pod.. beautiful lilac petals and then a lemony-yellow pod! Many thanks to Rebsie at Daugher of the Soil for identifying it as Golden Sweet.. its colourful and beautiful, as well as historical, and I am looking forward to tasting my very first homegrown peas.

Now for stage 2! A second pea plant has a stunning first flower.. a really beautiful two-tone purple bloom.

I'm thinking this one might be purple-podded.. I will be checking regularly to see!

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

2008-06-09T23:58:00.000-07:00

The name ‘salvia’ comes from the Latin ‘salvere’ (to save) and indicates the many curative properties of this herb, also giving rise to the well-known saying ‘why should a man die when sage grows in his garden’. The Romans used sage to increase fertility and Italian peasant custom was to eat sage to preserve health –many country people eat the leaves with bread and butter.

A cup of strong infusion should relieve a nervous headache and can be applied to the scalp to darken the hair. Fresh leaves rubbed on the teeth will cleanse and strengthen the gums and dried leaves smoked in pipes have been used as a remedy for asthma. A home remedy for sprains is to bruise a handful of leaves and boil in vinegar for 5 minutes, before applying in a folded napkin as hot as can be bourne.

Sage is good for the mouth and throat – an infusion used as a gargle is especially useful for an ulcerated throat and used as a mouthwash for bleeding gums. It is used for delirium in fevers and for nervous excitement accompanying brain and nervous diseases. It is helpful for women, taken internally for night sweats in menopause and excessive lactation, and is also used in anxiety and depression. It can be used externally for insect bites, as well as the mouth and throat problems cited above.

A pungent, bitter, cool and drying herb with many properties: stimulant, astringent, tonic, carminative, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, oestrogenic.

CAUTION: Toxic in excess; Do not use if pregnant or epileptic

Leaves are picked before flowering and dried for infusions and tinctures.
Harvested May-Sept (leaves picked at midsummer considered the best).

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:
'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)

Green Fair

2008-06-07T08:23:00.000-07:00

A wonderful thing - I've just been to the Better Haringey Green Fair which was held just over the road from our house this afternoon.

It was so nice to see the green space outside Tottenham town hall being used for such a great purpose - it used to be behind railings, overgrown, full of litter and only frequented by vagrants and winos. But a year or two back the council put money and effort into sorting it out, opening it up and adding broad paved access paths and lovely old-fashioned street lights to make it safer. It is used a lot now and looks great.

But I digress! Back to the Green Fair ... lots of stalls with local campaigning, wildlife and recycling groups. I chatted to some lovely people, including the local Friends of the Earth group who had a bloke dressed up as an orang-u-tan to launch their campaign about Bio-Fuels: the EU is proposing a directive requiring 10% of petrol and diesel be made from biofuels by 2020, but using land for palm oil is causing food shortages and accelerating rain-forest destruction .. find out more here and contact your MEP about blocking the proposal.

It was great to visit the stalls and I signed petitions and MP letters on a number of issues and picked up lots of leaflets.

Thought I'd share some of the info and links, in case anybody's interested?

I got a wonderful 'STOP! Don't bin it, recycle it!' sticker which I'm going to stick on the lid of our kitchen bin to remind everyone to think twice about whether something can be recycled. This was from Recycle for London whose website tells you where to find your nearest recycling facilities and has lots of info on more ways to recycle kitchen and garden household waste.

At the BBC Breathing Places stand I was given a free CD 'tune into the dawn chorus: audio guide' which has the songs of different birds on it plus a quiz at the end.. brilliant! I can only recognise one or two, and would really like to learn some more so that I can listen out for them. We have a pretty good dawn chorus here, despite being in a built up city area. There's a little booklet to go with it which has pictures of all the birds and advice on encouraging birds into your space. You can hear and see some of them here and also download a beautiful kingfisher screensaver. Apparently, once a year in May there is an International Dawn Chorus Day.. shame we just missed this year's one, but definitely something to get involved with in 2009! Some more bird links you might like are British Trust for Ornithology and the RSPB.

I was also given a 'tree party' pocket guide - which has tree-planting tips plus spotting tips for common local trees. You can download your own copy here and, if you have kids, you might be interested in the Tree For All initiative, too?

Well, I hope you found something to interest you somewhere in all that! I'll add the links to the side bar in my continuing quest to develop Earth and Tree as a sort of resource centre for information on all these earth friendly types of thing.

Bees

2008-06-05T02:10:00.001-07:00

The herb garden is at its finest, with a whole host of flowers opening and doing their thing. We had glorious sunshine yesterday afternoon, and the bees were busy working away on all the blossoms.. I've never seen so many. And I'm glad I put a pot of chives on the kitchen windowsill, because I get to see the many bee visits at close quarters while I'm cooking or washing up!

Also, this year, the valerian and sunflowers are about eye-level height.. so I can get a really good look at the bees (who don't seem to mind as they are so busy in the flowers!). I've seen big fat bumbles, but also longer narrow bees and I've decided to try and find out a bit more about the different types of bee that might visit an English garden.

Buds

2008-06-03T02:20:00.000-07:00

There's a lot of budding going on in the Hedgewitch herb garden right now! And as we go from May to June (and from Spring-ish to Summer-ish) it feels as though we are also changing colours: in May the garden hosted purple blooms, the sage flowers and chives, then more white appearing with the elderflowers and valerian. The thyme is currently in flower with pretty pinky-white blooms and the yarrow is fit to burst, too.

Now, as the daylight hours approach their maximum the yellow flowers are opening to greet the sun: the calendula blooms are opening, the rue buds are turning from green to yellow, and it won't be long before the St John's wort flowers to mark the longest day.

Companion Planting

2008-06-02T13:29:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by two wonderful bloggers, Greenwoman and Yarrow, to reveal six unspectacular quirks of mine.. but I've been having trouble thinking of them! Its not that I haven't got any, of course, its just that I probably don't notice them? So here, instead, are 6 little 'ways I like to do things' in the garden (some of which might be considered 'quirky' by some!)... I hope no-one minds my subverting the meme! Instead of tagging more bloggers, I'd like to throw it open to anyone and everyone who wants to join in and declare the ways THEY like to do things in the garden?

...................................................................................

I do look things up in books, but I like to mostly learn by doing and finding out what happens .. I have learned a lot this way!

I like companion planting and want to do more of this in future.. I currently plant my carrots with equal quantity of dill in their trough and I include calendula with my tomatoes.

I'm not looking to grow the biggest or most perfect vegetables ever known to man(!) .. I know my limitations, and am happy if my plants are healthy and treasure any little offerings they produce.

I think that plants know better than me what they want, so I try to learn from them (as well as about them)

I like to use a homemade kneeler for gardening on the roof (which is covered in gravel, so not comfortable on the knees!) .. I got this tip from my archaeological days: a couple of folded newspapers inside a carrier bag

I like being on my own gardening.. its not that I'm anti-social, and I enjoy showing others around my patch, but I like the peace and quiet of it and being lost in my own thoughts

.....................................................................................

Speaking of companion planting, this is my trough of carrots and dill, looking all lush and feathery! And a shot of my brandywine tomato plants building up to a first flower (the calendula in this pot is tucked away out of site but has some nice fat buds nearly ready to burst).

-----> GET INVOLVED: have you got any tried and tested plant-companions to share?

Orchid

2008-06-01T07:37:00.000-07:00

A wonderful weekend! And an especially wonderful Saturday, which I couldn't wait to share with you all. Beautiful weather - endless sunshine and picture postcard blue skies. We were on the Pembrokeshire coast in the very south-west of Wales, in the national park and on the coastal path. We discovered a very special place at St Govan's Head, which is a rugged headland teeming with wildlife and has spectacular views. It is also the site of St Govan's chapel, which seems to just grow out of a cleft in the cliffs.

I won't go into the history and importance of St Govan and the site, but I found this brief outline which gives an idea of the wealth of folklore which has grown up around both saint and site. I was particularly interested in the healing well (now dried up), of course.

The whole headland felt disconnected from the modern world .. it is owned by the military and used as a firing range so access is limited, but this has meant that wildlife can flourish there undisturbed and the site remains isolated from modern encroachment. We chose a good time to visit: the headland and rocks were alive with blooms, the wildflowers out in abundance to dance in the late May sunshine, and I was delighted to see my very first orchids growing wild.

Valerian

2008-05-29T04:10:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-28T03:38:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-28T03:14:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-20T07:07:00.001-07:00

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

2008-05-19T02:55:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-19T02:25:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-16T01:09:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-14T22:38:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-14T03:02:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-13T04:02:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-10T17:15:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-09T00:10:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-06T00:10:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-05T05:53:00.001-07:00

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

2008-05-04T09:06:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-01T02:24:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-01T02:12:00.001-07:00

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.

Berry Go Round

2008-04-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let you know that the Berry Go Round plant blog carnival is up at Foothills Fancies

I've only got a little way in with reading through the posts, but have already found beautiful plant photography and a lovely little piece on the Scarlet Pimpernel. Enjoy!

Weeds and Wildflowers

2008-04-28T00:57:00.000-07:00

I always intended Earth and Tree to be a repository of information and resources, a kind of 'bringing together of interesting stuff' relating to a more natural and earth-centred way of life. To this end, I spent some time (more than I anticipated!) yesterday organising all the blog links on the side column into categories so that we can find things more easily.. if your site has fallen off, please let me know as it won't be intentional! Some of the wonderful blogs could have been listed under several categories but I just went with what felt right at the time .. hope you will find it useful?

Speaking of bringing together interesting stuff...

Its a good time of year for Backyard Herbalism with all the weeds and wildflowers in abundance, including the dandelion .. if you're wondering what you can do with them, check out Greenwoman's post on making a Dandelion Salve and Yolanda's post on making a Soup with the buds.

And if you liked yesterday's post on the Cowslip, you should also see the Wiggly Wigglers post on Cowpats and Cowslips which has more interesting information for you.

Cowslip

2008-04-27T03:28:00.000-07:00

The use of Cowslip (primula veris), known as ‘herba paralysis’ and ‘palsywort’, for spasm, cramps, paralysis and rheumatic pain was once widespread, and dates back to at least the medieval period. Also called ‘Key Flower’, an association with keys from a link with the pagan goddess Freya was later christianised, giving the names ‘Our Lady’s Keys’, and 'Herb Peter'.

The young leaves were formerly eaten in salad and mixed with other herbs to stuff meat, while its ‘somewhat narcotic juices’ were utilised in Cowslip wine.

A home-made infusion is useful for coughs and bronchitis and the flower tea soothes headaches (only the yellow part of the flower is used, all green parts are carefully discarded). Indeed, Cowslip is a rich source of salicylates (aspirin-like compounds) and has the reputation of being second only to Betony for relieving head pain. Cowslip is also used internally in modern herbalism for asthma, arthritis, restlessness and insomnia and applied externally to treat sunburn.

A sedative, expectorant herb which relaxes spasms and reduces inflammation.

Flowers April – May
NB: No longer collected from the wild as has now become rare.

CAUTION: Skin irritant and allergen; Do not use in pregnancy, if sensitive to aspirin or taking anti-coagulant medicine such as Warfarin

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)

Tree Tribute

2008-04-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

There have been some wonderful tree posts lately on the blogs that I visit and I really wanted to pull them together for everyone to share .... and then I found out that it was just 'Arbor Day', what more fitting time to do so!

First up is my favourite ever tree post by Cheryl (aka wonderwoman) at My Wildlife Sanctuary. She is talking with great empathy, wisdom and reverence about a friend of hers, who happens to be a tree.. I found it a very moving experience.

Another tree tribute I love is by an etsy friend of mine who blogs at What Does the Golden Mean? She visited some very ancient trees, and her words and pictures convey their powerful presence and the feelings this invoked.

I was captivated by Mark's collage of buds at The Greenfingered Photographer .. an inspiring image, full of hope and promise. How satisfying to have planted these trees and then see them come to life like this!

There are so many more I could include, maybe I'll do a monthly tree tribute post? Show me your links, if you've written or read a good post lately.

Radish

2008-04-25T05:39:00.000-07:00

My first EVER radish ...

Chelsea Physic Garden

2008-04-25T03:03:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Dave for reminding me to look up the opening times for Chelsea Physic Garden, a fantastic secret walled garden tucked away in central London (a few stops on the bus from Victoria station). It was begun in the 17th century as an apothecary's garden in order to train apprentices in plant indentification and promote the study of botany in "physic" or the healing arts .

I can confidently assert that anyone who finds this blog interesting will love it!

As its open more often this year, I'm hoping to go once a month as there is so much to see and of course it all changes! If anyone is planning a trip to London, it would be well worth fitting it in.

2008 Season: 19 March - 31 October
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 12-5pm
Sundays 12-6pm
Bank Holidays and Good Friday, 12-6pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing

Extended Opening Information for 2008
The Garden is open from Monday to Friday 12-5pm during Chelsea Flower Show week 20-24 May inclusive (Please note that on Thursday 22 May the Garden will not open until 2pm.)
In July and August the Garden is open until 10pm on Wednesdays, last admission at 8:30pm. The cafe will be open until the Garden shuts.

Wildflowers

2008-04-22T19:54:00.000-07:00

Here in London we had a lovely warm day .. and I visited a local nature reserve, the WaterWorks in Leyton, East London. It was so peaceful there, and it was great to be amid nature in all her glory. Today I saw a heron, red admiral butterflies and lots of enormous bumble bees!

There are little hides to watch the birds on the old water filter beds and a nice place to have a picnic. Also, they are having a wildlife open day this weekend .. if anyone is interested and in the area, these are the contact details:

The Waterworks nature reserve, Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, London E10 7NU (020-8988 7566). Open daily, 9am-9pm. Entrance free. Nearest tube Walthamstow; nearest railway station, Clapton. Buses 48, 55 and 56 stop outside.

I didn't gather anything, of course, but some of these plants are valuable medicinally and have interesting uses .. and as they are growing wild within 2 miles of home, I like to 'learn' them by watching them grow, seeing what wildlife they attract and looking them up when I get home.

From top:
white deadnettle, red deadnettle, cowslip, speedwell, hawthorn

Earth Day

2008-04-21T11:37:00.000-07:00

So tomorrow is Earth Day and people all over the world will be attempting to focus their leaders' attention on the plight of the planet, as well as re-visiting how they themselves can take positive steps to make a difference.

This is the Official Earth Day site and I've collected a couple of interesting links to peruse on Earth Day, if you're having a perusing kind of a moment (!)

The Nature Conservancy Earth Day info including details of their Plant a Billion Trees campaign

Wear Blue on Earth Day to Vote for NO COAL

Earth Day Gallery at Love Earth which has some stunning images of the Earth viewed from outer space.

Earth Day isn't such a big thing here in the UK .. but I'm not going to let that stop me joining in! So I will be donating all proceeds from tomorrow's sales at Hedgewitch to Friends of the Earth. Please spread the word if you can, and help me raise some funds for a good cause!

I usually mark the day by quietly appreciating the earth .. and I will be doing this tomorrow the best way I know how, by getting outside in the fresh air to commune with nature, either visiting a local site or on the roof in my garden with my sleeves rolled up!

------> GET INVOLVED: How do you celebrate Earth Day? What does the Earth mean to you?

Ladybird

2008-04-20T11:38:00.000-07:00

Since its been so cold and miserable, thought I'd post a photo leftover from sunnier times this month!

Remember I found lots of baby ladybirds on the clary sage? I was just reading somewhere that each ladybird eats somewhere in the region of 5000 aphids in their year-long life.. a good friend to have in the garden.

But I also saw a report about the invasive Harlequin ladybird on Gardeners' World on Friday night. This newcomer is becoming a threat not only to our native ladybirds but also to other insects, as it eats their grubs. Next time I'm up on the roof I will be making a careful examination to try and see which types I've got .. apparently it can be difficult to tell them apart.

Useful Links:

The Harlequin Ladybird Survey
UK Ladybird Survey

UPDATE:
I just went back and zoomed in on the photo so I could count the spots. I think it is a Harlequin, you know .. decidedly orange and looks like about 17 spots to me. Will have to measure the length next time, as the Harlequin should be significantly larger than the native ones.

Mystery Peas

2008-04-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, here are my mystery peas ... if you think you know what they might be, I would be very grateful for some help in identifying them?

They are the ones I picked up from the North London Organic Gardeners' Society stall last week .. all I know is that they're heritage varieties.

Not a great picture, I'm afraid (best I could do on my phone camera today!).. I will take more photos as they grow .. will be fun to see what they turn into!

Garden Update

2008-04-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

I was excited today, to discover that my mini-growhouse is working!!!

You remember my 3 heritage dwarf beans ? Well here they are in the growhouse, reaching for the sky...

Its had something of an initiation ordeal, as the weekend I assembled it, it got snowed on and then on Friday it had a fairly decent storm to contend with. Spurred on by its success, I've put my Brandywine tomato seedlings in there as well today. And I don't think I've shown you my sunflowers...

I sorted out my coldframe too, today, by removing all the paraphenalia I'd been storing in it and actually clearing some space for plants. Here are the first batch of herb seedlings awaiting transport from the kitchen to the coldframe on the roof..

... there are dill, borage, clary sage, marigold .. and some sweetpeas, which I adore, and will be a surprise as a friend collected the seed so I've no idea what colour they'll be.

Forgive my over-enthusiasm .. I'm still new to raising plants from seed and so whenever something grows, I'm afraid I'm just an overgrown child jumping about with glee!

Sunset

2008-04-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

Sunset over Tottenham ... I just love when you get those lilac and peach colours together in the sky