Romeo and Juliet, true love?
Are Romeo and Juliet really the most romantic of all lovers? Or is their love more folly, infatuation and teenage angst?
Elderflowers (Sambucus nigra)
I wanted to make the point that not all the flowers used by our Tudor ancestors would be purpose grown in a garden plot. For the majority of the population, living in, or within easy reach, of the countryside the rural environment would also be seen as a source of food and medicine. Elderflowers are a case in point. In late spring the flower heads would be picked and dipped in batter and then deep fried - tempura is nothing new! Crushed in a bowl of water the flowers made a moisturising wash for hands and face. And made into a herbal vinegar or infusion were a treatment for dry throats and coughs. But be careful to leave enough - the berries will be equally useful in the autumn.
Lesley