A year on ... in the garden

Almost a year ago, the flower beds were newly dug and the plants were in the ground before the weather changed, see 'finally all flower beds are dug'. Fingers were crossed during winter and came spring this year, I was happy to report that none of the plants were lost.

The beds have been busy with the crocuses leading the way declaring that spring had arrived. I plan to feature (should I have the energy and inclination) the various plants that have grazed my garden from Spring through to Autumm. So watch this space!

Elderflower cordial

Mid summer is nigh and it is time to get some of the garden successes into the blog before memory fades. Elderflower cordial is one of the anticipated ventures of this year. We have a rather large tree growing just outside our back garden and after some tentative sniffs at the flowers, we concluded it must indeed be Elderflower and so begins the adventure!

After eagerly waiting for the flowers to come to a full bloom, we picked our 20 heads for the cordial.

Duncan on bug duty - have to get all the creepy crawlies off first! Finally bug-free and clean



It was surprisingly easy to make, just like steeping tea but instead of just boiling water, use hot syrup and leave to infuse for 48 hours.

The flowers are left to steep with lemon wedges for some zing!


The taste test? After drinking it ourselves and still feeling fine, we then tested it on our neighbours during a weekend BBQ, the drink went down a treat and was the toast of the day!

The result - 2 bottles of refreshing cordial


Here's to waiting for next year's crop and maybe some Elderflower bubbly?