As I’ve been to-ing and fro-ing today, I kept passing this patch of love in the mist. My eye was really caught by the beautiful blue which is so soft on the eye. I’ve tried to catch the colour, so that I can remember it when the garden is back to shades of green. TF took some flowers and a seed head in to nursery for show and tell. The seed head rattles gently. I love these flowers. The shapes of the flowers and leaves are fascinating.
On Christina‘s suggestion, I decided to try elderflower tea over the weekend. I think it is now my favourite tea. It is smooth, gentle and smells flowery. While I sat drinking this today, it occurred to me that I don’t tend to use the flowers in my garden, as much as the fruit, herbs and vegetables. I think this is an oversight, which I’m going to put right. For instance, I spread the seeds from love in the mist, but I never think to cook with them. Its the same with the nasturtiums. I plant them for colour and as companion plants in the kitchen garden, but I don’t use the seeds or the flowers in the kitchen. I do use the chive flowers and borage.
I think this year should be year of the flower for me. I’m going to check out what is in the garden and see what I would like to use.
Incidentally, if you want to try elderflower tea. I just put a fresh sprig of elderflower in my cup, poured in boiling water and left for 4 or 5 minutes. Then pulled out the sprig. Any loose flowers fall to the bottom of the cup, so there is no real need to strain. Just sit back and enjoy.
I love elderflower cordial but I’ve never tried tea but i most definitely shall as soon as I spot an elderberry tree.
Incidentally did you know that elderberry jam (or it might be syrup) is a cure all for most winter ailments like ‘flu etc but as the berries ripen in the wrong season its not commonly known.
Em xx
Ok, I now need a recipe for elderberry syrup. I’ve been missing out. The tea is lovely. I hope you enjoy it. You’ve got me wondering if it helped me through my summer cold this weekend. I drank little else than elderflower in one form or another.
So happy that you are enjoying the tea…
Like Emma mentions above the elderberry syrup is the ultimate pre cold season remedy. This is why I always make sure I leave flowers to ripen into berries, and mark the season as the clusters start to emerge. You must save a few to make this wonderful syrup….
I’m going to have to leave some berries. There is so much elder around here that there should be enough for my harvest, as well as the blackbirds. I’ll give the elderberry syrup a go. You’ve talked me into it,
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The tea sounds interesting must give it a try. The love-in-a-mist is beautiful, such a lovely colour and name.
I hope you enjoy the tea!
I can’t wait to try this – I love all things elderflower but have never tried tea, I’m very excited – can’t wait! Ps I’ve added a link to my sidebar too! 😀
Thank you for the link. I hope you enjoy your tea. I shall sorely miss the elderflower this year, when it is over. I’m not sure dried elderflower will be the same.
I just bought this book http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1856752852/rattlon-21 recently. It has lots of great ideas for using things you might never have considered before. Your tea came out a lovely colour.
It looks an interesting book. Very tempted!