Today has not quite gone to plan so little time to forage. As I passed by Park Frankendael at lunchtime, this little Elder (Sambucus nigra) caught my eye. Her leaves are starting to fall and leaf buds for next spring are already in place. She is the pale one in the middle of the photo.

Elder haa quite a characteristic colour as their leaves shed, as if they have been blanched by the sun. There is still time to gather a few deep green Elder leaves for useful ointment recipes. My favorite remains a combination of Elder, Ground ivy, Plantain and Ground elder, gently infused in ghee or lard until the leaves begin to crisp and then strained.