I am rather lucky to live in a village which is surrounded by beautiful countryside and I like to take full advantage of it. I cannot think of anything better to do then cycle down country lanes with the sun on my face, the wind in my hair, and cows staring at me like I’m crazy!
There’s still so many wild flowers around and I noticed some pink fox gloves, some red campion, buttercups, hog-weed (be careful as this can be toxic!) and even a beautiful yellow iris hidden in a ditch. It really is amazing that such beauty can grow almost anywhere, even in a roadside ditch! I cut a stem of each so I can put them in my flower press, I really want to start making a scrapbook of all my findings and countryside adventures and I think these pressed flowers would look beautiful inside a book which I could cherish forever.
The hedgerows are starting to come alive and the elderflower is abundant this year. I noticed a few on my bicycle ride but there is a particular place I go to forage for this delicious little flower so I am gathering up my recipes and waiting for an evening to go picking. I only managed to make some cordial, champagne and jam last year so I’m on the hunt for more elderflower recipes to try.
Last year I found some cherry plum trees nestled behind some garages and we managed to catch them just in time, they were turned into some jam and the most delicious tart I have ever tasted. I like to cycle round to the trees to see how they are getting on and I’m pleased to say the little fruits are fattening up quite nicely, I’ll be there ready with the baskets soon enough!
6 thoughts on “Little Village Life”
What a great post. Your writing is so descriptive, I can envision myself right along with you. I have been unable to keep up with your videos and your blog for some time now, but I am most happy to report, life has settled and I will be doing my best to catch up where I left off. So much has happened since I last saw a video. It appears you and your father have been quite the busy bees and all kinds of fun and exciting things are happening in your life. I couldn’t be happier for you! I am an old lady who can tell you are a very special young woman who has created the most enchanting life for herself! So excited to be back in the saddle to catch up and ride along. Thanks for sharing your life. Keep smiling, Valerie
Nice post Katie, once again a pleasant way to spend my lunchtime. Your post reminded me of a story I read a few days ago about wildflowers are roadsides in England . Ironically where we live, roadsides have been thriving due to budget cuts, local authorities have cut back severely on cutting back roadside plants. I hope you enjoy the article if you haven’t already seen it or possible signed the petition.
Plant variety and wild life is rich and various on poorly tended verges. They are little ecosystems in and of themselves. Thanks for the ride-along. And, by the way, cows can be dangerous. I love them, but be careful if you get in with them and they don’t know you. That’s my 2 pence.
I love your photography and description of English country life. I love the history of the hedgerows and how the flowers were tossed into the ditches during WWII to allow for planting food in the fields. I hope to visit your country one day! Catherine
I really like your blog’s design and your style of writing! I particularly like this post though, as we are country people at heart yet we live by a large metro area near a busy highway. Its very stressful at times dealing with the road noise.
I am totally jealous of your little town 🙂
WOW what a beautiful place you live in Katie.beautiful place and beautiful girl 🙂