For an all too brief period, the elderflower tree at the edge of the top field next to the graveyard bursts into glorious white blooms. And then they are gone. Making hay while the sun shines, last Sunday, Joshua and I waded through the long grasses. I created enough of a track for him to follow through with the grass on either side towering over the little fellow. 80 heads were picked and dumped in our basket and we headed home.
That is enough for 20 litres of elderflower champagne now sitting in a bucket with the lid resting on top to allow bubbles to escape. And also for three litres of cordial which is already drinkable and was bottled up on Monday. I traded one small bottle with one of the earth mums here, M. I got tomato plants in return which are now planted and caned and should be dripping with red fruit just after I get back from Greece in August. Anyhow M reckons the cordial is delicious.
I reckon the flowers will still be blooming next week allowing for he making of a second batch of both drinks. Next up nettle beer and also elderflower ice cream, made from the cordial.
