In various parts of my property, and along the roadsides close by, one of the most noticeable and abundant weeds at this time of year is Epilobium angustifolium or Chamaenerion angustifolium, known in the UK as rosebay willowherb or bombweed and in the US as fireweed. I welcome this weed into my forest garden andContinue reading “Fireweed – A Useful Summer ‘Weed’”
Tag Archives: edible weeds
How To Break Away From Supermarket Shopping
Many people wish that they could break their reliance on supermarket shopping, but don’t feel that they can afford to do so. We’ve all become so used to the ease, convenience and affordability of supermarket food that it can be difficult to see how we can do without them. But with a little work, itContinue reading “How To Break Away From Supermarket Shopping”
Galium Aparine – A Useful Wild Edible and Tonic Plant
Galium aparine is a ‘weed’ which goes by a lot of different names. We always called it stickywilly when I was growing up, and it is also called goosegrass, sticky weed, or cleavers. All of its names refer to the way in which it sticks, velcro-like, to everything – adhering itself to our clothes asContinue reading “Galium Aparine – A Useful Wild Edible and Tonic Plant”
Pesto is Not Just Something to Do With Basil
Basil pesto is a versatile option for a range of recipes. But it is worthwhile remembering that you can make pesto with a range of other ingredients. Today, for example, I made a ‘weed’ pesto, with nettles, sorrel, and a few other leafy greens from the forest garden, blended with with some seeds, some oliveContinue reading “Pesto is Not Just Something to Do With Basil”
Chickweed: A Weed You Want in Your Garden
I know that most gardeners moan at the sight of even a single weed, and rip them all out as soon as they appear. But my garden has lots of weeds – and I love them. Yes, even in the vegetable beds. While not all weeds, of course, are desirable, there are plenty of weedsContinue reading “Chickweed: A Weed You Want in Your Garden”
April Sowing, Growing and Harvesting
This is a busy time of the year in the garden. Though I have to be careful here about not planting anything out or sowing too early, before the last frosts, there is plenty going on. I have held off on some sowing and planting outdoors this week because some relatively late frosts are expectedContinue reading “April Sowing, Growing and Harvesting”
Rethinking Thistles
Many gardeners view thistles as problem weeds. But thistles (of several different varieties) can be extremely useful garden plants. There are lots of thistles where we live, but rather than trying to eradicate them entirely from cultivated areas, I consider them as a benefit and welcome them in my garden (at least to a degree).Continue reading “Rethinking Thistles”
Weed Seeds To Eat
When we think of autumn foraging, wild fruits are likely the first things that spring to mind. But there are also other more unusual edibles to consider. Today, I thought I would mention three types of seed that I use around this time of year. The first of these is nettle seeds. Nettle seeds mightContinue reading “Weed Seeds To Eat”
Autumn Foraging
In addition to the main autumn crops, apples and more, it is also well worthwhile working out what your autumn surroundings can provide. Even if you don’t have a garden full of food, your local area might provide a wide range of yields. Both in my own garden, and in the surrounding area, we canContinue reading “Autumn Foraging”
Stinging Nettles: Why They’re A Boon Not a Bane
Many gardeners hate stinging nettles. They lurk between other plants, and catch the unwary with their stings. But I want to take a moment to explain why they are a boon – not a bane. And why we should all value their contributions to our gardens and our lives. The Benefits of Stinging Nettles TheContinue reading “Stinging Nettles: Why They’re A Boon Not a Bane”
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