A weed by any other name....might be delicious!

Take a walk down any footpath or quiet lane in England and you will find yourself surrounded by all sorts of nasty nettles, gigantic brambly hedges, and explosions of indifferent flowers. Claire and I have learned over time that there are wonderful treasures hidden amidst the English weeds. 


Blackberry bushes: Often, the brambles that march along most roads and delineate different fields are blackberry bushes. In July and August, enticing bunches of berries hang off the branches, inviting the wandering rambler to pick some delicious, juicy fruit! Just beware the inevitable thorns and buzzing neighbours. 

Chamomile: Daisies are the friendliest flower (remember that wonderful discussion between Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail?), but they are not always as they appear. Chamomile plants bear daisy-like blooms with thin, feathery leaves. Add a few fresh or dried stalks to a pot of boiling water for a comforting brew!


Sloe berries: Hedgerows often include sloe bushes, which bear a grape-like fruit that appears in summer and ripens in autumn. While bitter, the berries can be used to make burgundy-coloured sloe gin (ask Claire for the recipe). 


Elderflowers: As mentioned previously, elderflowers can be picked at peak pollen to make elderflower cordial or sparkling elderflower wine. 


Dock leaves: Supposedly, dock leaves are excellent anesthetics for relieving the burning pain from a stinging nettle. I have not tried this out yet, but probably will have many opportunities before the end of the summer. Nature, in her subtle brilliance, often provides dock plants near stinging nettles. 


Weeds are nature's graffiti. - Janice Maeditere