Whispering Earth

I love this time of year when the trees and bushes are dripping with ripening berries. It’s funny to think that only a couple of months ago they were adorning the landscape with their wonderful flowers.

Over the course of the summer months we watch and wonder as these….

Elderflowers

Turn to these.

Unripe Elderberries

These…

Bramble in Flower

To these.

Blackberries

These…

Hawthorn Flowering

To these.

Ripening Haws

These…

Wild Roses

To these.

Rosehips Ripening with a Gentle Blush

And these…

Blackthorn Flowering

To these.

Sloes

Other than the blackberries I haven’t harvested anything yet as it’s still a little early. Having said that, I’ve seen lots of ripe elderberries elsewhere though the ones near me are still green. I’ll be sure to post recipes and tips from my harvests as they occur!

We both took the day off work today to celebrate my birthday (which is actually tomorrow) and after some exploring we indulged in picking and eating blackberries to our heart’s content.

There was just time to greet our new friends before heading home for blackberry smoothies.

Good Afternoon

For a special treat this evening I made us little raw berry crumbles which are so yummy and nutritious and simple to do. Just fill a small pot with blackberries and raspberries and cover with a simple crumble topping of oats, sunflower seeds, macadamia nut oil, local honey and a pinch each of vanilla powder, cardamom powder and cinnamon powder. I popped it in the dehydrator for a couple of hours to warm and soften but if you don’t have one you could warm it in the oven for 20 mins on the lowest heat instead. Enjoy with a spoon of blended frozen banana ice cream.

Berry Crumble

I hope you all have time to get out and enjoy the hedgerows too. With love.