THISTLES are a predominant feature in the hedgerows this month, and there are many different varieties. Thistles belong to the daisy family and one famous example which you won't find growing wild is the Globe artichoke. These edible thistles bear beautiful blooms If allowed to flower, and because the heads are so large, are a showy example of just how lovely "these flowers are. Bees and butterflies find them a rich food source, flocking around. Some thistles are edible, and are prepared by peeling the tough, outer skin off the stem and then boiled and served with cream, though I have never tried this, it is said to be very tasty. And of course, the proud thistle is the Scottish emblem, which is where I come from, and thus I have a certain fondness for this plant. 

Meadowsweet is in full flower now. The flowerheads are wonderful, frothy splashes of white dotting the edges of the roadsides. They can be used to make wine which is apparently very good. The dried leaves can be used to enhance port and claret. This plant has a variety of local names, for example, courtship and matrimony, kiss me quick, new mown hay, summers farewell, and queen of the meadow. They are one of my favourite hedgerow flowers, drifts of their creamy white heads let you know summer is really here. They are one of three herbs held sacred by the ancient Druids, along with water mint and vervain.

There is plenty of fat hen about. This fairly innocuous looking plant used to be a rich food source for Iron Age people. Fat hen was found in the stomach contents of the famous 'peat bog man', the mummified corpse of a man around 2,000 years ago. The young flowerheads which look similar to small broccoli spears should be cooked in the same way as you would cook any brassicas, and served with a knob of butter. They are delicious and when I've been lucky enough to find a plentiful supply, my family often eat it. I have been known to serve it to guests with no adverse comments, so presumably it must have been alright. 

Wild roses are in flower and although there are a multitude of uses to which they can be put, I prefer to leave them in the hedgerows where they look so beautiful. Besides, if left, they will turn into hips with which both birds and humans

Hedgerow Harvest

By Jennifer Green

August

(Spear Thistle)

Next Month: Brambles, blackthorn, wild apples.

can do so much. In the past rose petals were used in pot pourris - probably the first air fresheners. They can also be coated with egg white and caster sugar, and slowly heat­dried to be used for cake decorations. An infusion of rose petals with oil (preferably best olive), if properly prepared produces a wonderful scent, and can be used as a perfume. Rose petals straight from the plant can make a delightful addition to salads. The list of uses to which rose petals can be put, is almost endless. They make fine jams, teas and sweets and medicinally the treated roots are said to be good for dog bites Rose petals used with distilled water is reputed to make a good skin lotion. If you would like to use rose petals for anything other than eating in salads, for example to make a pot pourri, don't take young flowers. Choose roses which have lost a petal or two and have passed their best. They will still be as good for your use, and the insects can have the young ones.

There is a lot of betony and agrimony about. Betony has purpley flowers, not unlike stinging nettles, and has been used medicinally since Roman times. Yet another diuretic, it is also said to be good for headaches, gout and rheumatism. Agrimony has spikey heads of yellow flowers and is supposed to be good when used on cuts or for treating tummy upsets. An infusion is said to ease sore gums and bad throats. Both these plants have been used for centuries past. 

Wild carrot is in flower now. They are very easy to pick out amongst all the other hedgerow flowers. Hundreds of tiny, white flowers make up the head but one, in the centre, is like a beacon to the hedgerow browser, for it can be bright red or purple-red, and stands out amongst the pale petals. However, the roots of wild carrot are never good enough to eat being fibrous and not very tasty. Wild carrots, and presumably cultivated ones as well, have many medicinal properties. The juice is said to be good for anaemia, to be beneficial to the liver and for the blood. Grated carrot can be used to make poultices and to relieve the pain from burns. If applied to styes, grated carrot is reported to be very effective. And everybody has heard that carrots are good for your eyesight, which most people dismiss, but in fact there is some element of truth in this.

Remember the health of the hedgerow is in our hands. Only take what is in abundance and never over pick plants. Only eat what you are absolutely sure about, a good reference book will come in handy. Never dig up plants to transfer to your own garden, not only is it against the law, it is morally wrong. Do not pick plants which are endangered or are rare, again a reference book will point these out. And lastly, if you pick to eat, watch where you collect from. Remember someone may have passed that way earlier with their dear little pooch.

©Jennifer Green.