June 2020 – Blackbird's Backyard Pharmacy

Elder Flower Muffins and Honey

My white elder bush is finally big enough for me to harvest the flowers. I am still waiting for the black elder to grow larger for the berries. It seems to struggle and break easily with any storm. Both bushes were hard to get established. I had failures in years past. Once it gets goingContinue reading “Elder Flower Muffins and Honey”

Elder Flower Syrup for “Soda” on the Solstice

Elder flowers are an ancient tradition at Summer Solstice celebrations, especially in the form of cordial. Not being familiar with the taste of elder flowers or making a cordial, I played it safe and made the syrup. Elder flower is an acquired taste. Both very floral and something else that is a bit “funky”. ItContinue reading “Elder Flower Syrup for “Soda” on the Solstice”

Herbal Migraine Butter (FEVERFEW)*

I have been growing feverfew for 40 years. Like rue it is one of those staples of any European herb garden. It has pretty white flowers and an an attractive shape. If you are mindful it will not become invasive when it goes to seed. Until recently I never used this plant. . My kidsContinue reading “Herbal Migraine Butter (FEVERFEW)*”

Rhubarb and Ginger Pickles

This is a summer favorite with my family. We love it for picnics and barbecues. My plants produce enough stalks to make one jar of pickles and one strawberry rhubarb crumble. My rhubarb does not turn red so I have to be mindful and harvest it the first week of June, before it flowers. TheContinue reading “Rhubarb and Ginger Pickles”

Peony Petal Sugar Scrub*

Peonies are my favorite flower. They bloom without fail the first week of June. They were in my wedding bouquet and serve to remind me of that anniversary every year. The scent is amazing and hard to describe or “create”, just like plumeria. This sugar scrub actually holds the scent quite well. I can’t waitContinue reading “Peony Petal Sugar Scrub*”