Connecting to summer

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 Between the hedgerows and the sea, the soul wonders towards the elderflower tree

Walking seems too mechanical a verb to describe the act of wondering along the countryside pathways. The sense of serenity, grounding, as one carries on up and down the trails, the rows of luxurious young summer bushes and trees, full of floral scent, their generosity sensed even before they are seen. That's how I feel when I walk along the Blackhead coastal path, with its luscious vegetation nearly embracing you as you squeeze past the rows of hawthorn, fuchsia and dog roses bushes. On one side the different shades of green, on the other the open blue of the sea. The lighthouse in the distance, perched on the top of the cliff, the anchor to return to always. 

And there are those creamy clouds of flowers, proudly and elegantly hanging from their trees, the joyous voice of summer bursting at last. Elderflower. 

Foraging elderflower is such a treat: coming back with a basket full of these gorgeous flowerheads does make you feel special. Sambucus Nigra is its Latin name, and it is said Sambucus might come from the ancient stringed instrument Sambuca, which is reminiscent of the way the flowers elegantly branch out from the main stem, numerous and yet seemingly light. Elderflower contains flavonoids including quercetin, which makes it a nice support against allergies and asthma, but also upper respiratory tract infestions.

There are so many ways you can enjoy it: I have made an elderflower cordial which was deightful in this hot weather. I also made elderflower cheesecake (I made the medieval version called 'Sambocade', while my fiancé tried a more modern approach! See the two recipes on the blog). Even though the season of elderflower has passed you may still find a few on your favourite countryside walks. Nature has a way to surprise us...