Firrrst. Coltsfoot is always first around here.
Vi-ol-ets. I’ve made jelly with them, and to be honest, it tasted like…sugar. I’ve also made a drink syrup with them – also tasted like sugar. I think this year, we’ll pick some for salad and call it a day. Or you could always do THIS with them if you want to go really crazy.
Bloodroot. Lots more than last year, but not enough to harvest. Yet.
My favourite place to walk from my house is through the woods to a cottage just south of us. I consider myself the unofficial steward of the property because the owner is rarely there. I tell myself I’m just making sure everything is in order.
It is surrounded by overgrown forsythia, bulb flowers growing up through the grass and what look like ancient apples trees. AND there is also a decrepit, overgrown old tennis court – so strange and a bit creepy. Very Grey Gardens.
I have also found a great big high-bush cranberry shrub and big patches of nettle – gold. I think I’ll probably have to leave a note or something if I ever end up harvesting anything. Or maybe dropping by when the shutters are open:)
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria Canadensis)
On my way home from this visit I found some Bloodroot!!! I’ve heard it can be a great natural dye. There were only a few on the path I took home, so not suitable for harvesting. But, it sure was fun to identify – golly gee.