Friday 28 June 2013

Summer season - elderflower cordial.

It's Glastonbury Festival and Wimbledon this week, so, of course, we are getting a fair bit of rainfall - what's Glastonbury without mud! The garden is happy to receive a good soaking, although some plants appreciate it more than others.
This purple iris was looking beautiful before the rain spoilt it's petals.
And the clumps of geraniums have fared no better.
But in general the garden is refreshed and growing well.



'Charles de Mills' is such a good doer, although he does tend to wander all about the border.

And this is the first flower from the 'Reine des Violette' rose that I bought at the seed swap and potato fair in the spring. ('Cinderella' is in bud but has yet to bloom.)
The 'Sarah Bernhardt' peony buds have finally deigned to open!

Before the rain set in Himself hacked back an overgrown elderflower shrub on the border  and I gathered the flower heads to make cordial. 
50 or more flower heads.
4lbs sugar
2oz citric acid
2 sliced lemons
2 pints boiling water
Pour the boiling water over all the other ingredients. Stir well, cover the bowl with cling film.
Stir twice daily for five days, then strain into bottles.
Enjoy!





9 comments:

  1. You could enter chelsea flower show!! The cordial looks so sweet :)

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    1. I've a friend doing her first garden for Tatton RHS Show and the pressure seems horrific. My garden is a fair mix of weeds and wonder - not quite Chelsea!

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  2. Honestly, I can actually SMELL your garden from these photos. elderflower and champagne. One of my favorites!

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    1. Connie, I love your style - elderflower and champagne, I'll drink to that! (I slosh it into gooseberry recipes and the like, it gives a subtle lift to a number of things.)

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  3. The garden is looking stunning Rosemary, and I particularly like the 'Charles de Mills' rose.
    As for the cordial, Amanda has pinched your recipe, as she loves the stuff and there are stacks of Elder flowers out at the mo. A good weekend to you and Himself.

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    1. How good that Amanda is going to use the recipe. I got it from a friend so it's nice to pass it on. The mixture smells glorious as you make it!

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  4. Those peonies are swoonsville!!!

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  5. I've never seen anything like those roses. Wow!

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  6. This is really nice blog , you have share fantastic pictures . I like it . Beautiful flowers , nice garden ..

    Microstock photo website

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