What a perfect day! I finally found time this morning to have a leisurely wander through the woods of Frankendael, seeking out the most pleasantly scented Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) trees. I was not disappointed! The flowers and leaves of this heart toning tree always taste good to me. Munched on a late spring walk, not … Continue reading Let’s Make Hawthorn Tincture!
Some time ago Amalie and Daniel joined me for a herb walk alongside Park Frankendael. One of the plants which was in bloom at the time was Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). Amalie knew the berries from Denmark and kindly sent me some recipes to try and share. Hawthorn is in fruit right now, it is a … Continue reading Danish Hawthorn recipes and simple Haw Honey Syrup
Merry Beltane to you! I hope that you manage a dip in the spring dew or a nibble on some Hawthorn, at some point today. Yesterday, I led a Mediamatic workshop about how to forage Japanese knotweed for food, drink and some home remedies. I would like to share my JKW shrub recipe with you … Continue reading Knotweed Shrub
I’ve been busy with all sorts since my last post. There’s a little competition at the end of this one for those able to get to Amsterdam who fancy trying for a free Herbology Walk in Amsterdam oost. Work (school) has been lively. We’re fully open and yet the rest of the world seems to … Continue reading Images of autumn
A few photos and short comments today as we rapidly approach Beltane, the festival of early summer. This week, the Lime trees which line many Amsterdam streets, burst into leaf. I love to eat these leaves, they have a mild flavour, are not tough and they bring many nutritional and medicinal uses. The trees in … Continue reading April
Push Your Boundaries Voluntary hardship is an enriching thing. It takes us to new places and teaches us much about ourselves. I challenge you to make your life a tiny bit harder for just one week, for the benefit of your health, your knowledge, your self-reliance and our community. And that community is the planet. … Continue reading 7 Day Challenge
Well, we have reached the end of the Urban Herbology 30 day Foraging Challenge! Thank you for your support through messages and photos. They certainly kept me going and I hope that my posts kept you thinking a little about the topic too. We’ve seen lots of wonderful plants over the past month. Lots has … Continue reading Day 30 UH 30 day foraging challenge
Dear foragers, Welcome to day 23! Not long to go now and new plants showing their faces at every turn. May is my favourite time for gardening and foraging but of course, both are possible right through the year. A sure sign of May is the Hawthorn in flower. It has so much to offer … Continue reading Day 23 UH foraging challenge
Today, lots of beautiful photos and experiences from the 30 day challengers: Elodie has been experimenting with Japanese knotweed and realises how stringy those stems can be. Best to push them through a metal sieve if this happens and make the best of it by using some sour pulp. Next time is best to use … Continue reading Day 10 – UH foraging challenge
My 30 day foraging challenge is underway and already I’ve received lots of lovely photos from people who have signed up for the challenge in the Netherlands, Northern Ireland and England. Am looking forward to receiving more! Burdock, daisy, wild garlic, chickweed, hawthorn leaf, dandelion, cherry blossom, garlic mustard, ground elder, rose leaf, mugwort, honeysuckle, … Continue reading Day 1- UH foraging challenge
Urban Herbology 