Hops – My Sunday Photo

At this time of year, I used to collect a handful of hops from the hedgerows, on my homeward journey from the school run. Inevitably crushing them in my hand as I crammed as many as I could into my grasp. The fragrance is gorgeous, although not one I connect with first thing in the morning. Passing cars might have thought I was picking blackberries. The hops, in the hedgerow, usually went unnoticed. No-one else ever seemed to collect them.

I took a cutting or two and they rooted. I planted them by my covered bench, protected from the strimmer by an old pottery drainage pipe. They grew. Covering half the bench roof. I thought I had no hops this year, until I checked under the leaves today. Was I wrong. They are bigger than the ones I found in the hedgerow.

I’m growing them to fill sleep pillows, rather than for beer. Just need to find out when best to harvest. Anyone know?

15 comments

  1. I have never smelled them but I’m sure they are wonderful based on your description. The plant looks beautiful!! I love this time of year when the senses are heightened!

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