Elder Blossom Orchard

09/08/2026

I use to work in Kensington and Chelsea in my Social Work days but never visited the Chelsea Physic Garden.
But today, a very wet and rainy day, is the day.
Really had to be on top of my Latin😅

09/06/2026

Was a wee bit windy. Loved finding plant allies in the sand dunes and hedgerows

09/06/2026

A wee bit windy on the Northumberland coast😅
Didn’t stop a bit of hag stone hunting though. Something for The Last Kingdom fans.
Bambrough Castle

09/06/2026

I have seen people grab handfuls of berries and pop them in their mouths then wonder why they feel sick too many times.
This elderberry season be safe!

It's elderberry syrup season, and one rule matters more than any other: the berries must be cooked. Raw or undercooked elderberries cause nausea and vomiting, and most people are making this for a whole household.

ELDERBERRY SYRUP

1. Measure roughly one part dried berries to four parts water into a pot.
2. Bring it up to a boil, then turn the heat down.
3. Simmer gently for half an hour or more, until the liquid has reduced by about half.
4. Strain through cloth, pressing the berries to get everything out of them.
5. Let the liquid cool until it's warm rather than hot.
6. Stir in honey to taste.
7. Pour it into a clean jar and keep it in the fridge.

Make it now, before you need it. That's the whole trick with elderberry.

09/04/2026

A wonderful afternoon wandering around Dilson Physic Garden.

09/03/2026

What do herbalists do on holiday I hear you ask!
Wellll, this one spent a wonderful afternoon in the Dilson Physic Garden followed by a refreshing elderflower spritzer 🍸

The garden is an educational charity that relies on volunteers. It was great to meander through the different sections, magic garden, chill pills, happy, memory matters and more.

08/31/2026

Different scenery today but still on the lookout for our plant allies 🌹🍃

The coastal strip of Cumbria was historically part of the kingdom of Northumbria, but was settled by Scandinavians in either the 9th or 10th century. The cross is highly significant in showing a transition from Pagan to Christian beliefs in this area as it carries both Christian and Nordic symbols.

08/21/2026

Was out blackberry picking and saw some amazing Echinacea.
I was always told if it numbs your tongue then it is potent and great to use in an immune boosting tincture.
I use the whole plant, chop it up quite finely to create a bigger surface area then leave it in vodka for at least 4 weeks.

Whenever I going to travel abroad I start taking it a few days before flying and for a couple of days when I land.

08/19/2026

You might be thinking what is that yucky pink and green mess🤔
It’s my favourite fruit yogurt combination😀
Rhubarb with a teabag full of rose petals stewed together. Rosa Rugosa works really well as it gives a soft hint of Turkish delight. Sweetener of choice and a sprinkling of crushed pistachios. Unfortunately, I didn’t have pistachios today. Didn’t stop me enjoying one of my favourite cooling desserts though.😋

08/19/2026

I thought it was a bit late in the season for flea beetle☹️