June - Garden foraging

Early carrots

St Robert`s Herb

Soapwort

Elderflower

Master M`s floral arrangments :)

wild and garden selection
*****
dog roses
*
buttercups
*
elderflower
**
yellow roses

RHS school garden project package

   
Our  RHS  Gardening kit arrived !
It`s completely free of charge for schools and Home Educators
See Royal Horticultural Society Campaign

Boys` gardening project

mini plots taken care of by mini growers :)

Boys working on their educational mini plots

and girls  too :)

red beet seedlings

Master M`s Egyptian onions ( walking onions)-perennials

Egyptian onions

sort of tidy :)

job done! Time to relax :)

Ground nut on Miss O`s veg plot

Elderflower collection

All set for this years elderflower cordial batch
for recipe see

 also elderflower champagne

more elderflower recipes

Uses
*******
Antisceptic
*
Anti-inflammatory
*
Perfect forcolds and flu, sinus infections, and other respiratory disturbances
*
As a supplement, elderflower also has diuretic and laxative properties and is helpful in relieving occasional constipation
*
 antibacterial and antiviral properties
*
 may  help alleviate some allergies
*
 boosts the immune system
*
 Topically, elderflower might help reduce pain and swelling in joints due to some forms of arthriti
*
used to stop bleeding
*
oral rinse- can be used for its antiseptic properties as a mouthwash and gargle
*
reduces blood sugar levels - very similar to the way insulin works

*

Elderflower against MSRA

Research in Ireland showed that elderflower extract was effective in killing many common hospital pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)1. This study gave scientific proof of elderflower's antibacterial properties against most gram negative and gram positive bacteria tested that align with traditional medicine uses of the past. Further study of elderflower components showed the potential for antiviral and anti-inflammatory benefits as well.
source

Active Ingredients in Elderflower

 rich in bioflavonoids, mostly flavones and flavonols, that are most commonly known for their antioxidant
anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
The most abundant flavonols in elderflower are quercetin, isoquercitrin and anthocyanins, which have antiviral properties as well
  contains chlorogenic acids, such as cinnamic acid, which may help with allergies, regulate blood glucose levels and have a laxative effect on the body.
Triterpenoids, especially β-amyrin, erythrodiol, and oleanolic acid, are also found in elderflower.
These triterpenoids offer a variety of health benefits including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects
source

 Ways of using

fresh , fermented, dried, then soaked or infused
 Flowers are safe to use
BUT leaves, twigs and roots are considered toxic and can lead to buld up poison( cyanide )

Spring garden gems

rescued from bargain backet at a local farm shop 2 years ago,
now flowering for the very first time!
And it smells heavenly!!

yellow rose planted 2 years ago.
 In full bloom now

micro leaves -our salad bar of gourmed selection

the last of this year`s blossom - all ready for lilac tea

our magnolia tree-  flowering for the very first time !

soapwort

soapwort, olive tree and nasturtium