OBothelderflowerandhawthorn
can be found in hedgerows, but you
might also find lone elder trees in
gardens and allotments.
OChoose trees and hedgerows that
are away from busy roads, otherwise
you will be picking flowers and leaf
tips affected by pollution.
OPick hawthorn tips when they are
young and flushed pink. When they
have just turned fully green, they are
still fairly tender. Once they turn
darker green, they’re still edible
but a little tough.
OEarly morning is the best time to
pick heads of elderflower, before the
insects have visited and taken
the nectar.
OChoose elderflower heads that are
notyetentirelyopen– theflowers
willbeyoungerandsweeter.
OTakea plasticbaganda pairof
secateurswhenforaging,anddrop
thetipsor theflowerheadsstraight
intoit to keepthemfresh.HATTO FIND
HERHawthorn is a beautiful
addition to the garden,
providing flowers and
tasty leaf tips for you
- and nest sites and
insects for the birds
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