Byw Yn Yr Ardd

I think I posted before about me joining a Welsh Gardening programme... And here are some stills from the recent episode in which my niece and I create a wildlife habitat in the garden for toads and frogs and newts and hedgehogs.

My niece loved seeing herself on telly.

I don't think about it as 'being on telly' because I never watch tv! (well, rarely rarely rarely).

This is the third item that's aired. The other two included me and my mother making a wild salad out of garden weeds and there's one where my friend and I carve spoons. The next one to air will be another friend of mine and myself doing yoga in the garden - I really loved filming that one because we spoke about the importance of having a connection to nature. And whilst we were filming we had to hold poses for a long time - particularly one where we were leaning against the apple tree - and I felt literally supported by this tree and as they took shot after shot, I did get into a medititive state and truly FELT the connection we were talking about. I watched Avatar yesterday in 3-d and when they talk about making the 'bond' with their funky ponytails, I only hope people understand the realism behind such an idea, and go and hug a tree!


























(impersonating a newt I think).























And here's the recipes from the website of the salads and tea's I made on the programme:

Weed Salad!
What to put into the salad:

* Fat Hen
Pick this plant before it flowers or the seeds will be all over the garden! You only need to use the leaves.

* Sheep’s Sorrel
There are about five kinds of sour leaves and they all tast of lemon - excellent in a salad!

* Ground-Elder
This strong tasting herb that is extremely hard to get rid of from gardens is popular in salads in Scandinavia.

* Daisy
The Daisy looks lovely in salads. Traditionally daisies were used to treat rheumatism.

* Borage
This will give a nice cucumber taste to the salad. You may use the leaves and flowers.














How to make dandelion coffee

* Dry the dandelion roots for two days.

* Then put the dry roots in the oven for 10-20 minutes until they are brown (see the picture above).

* You’ll know that they’re ready if they snap easily.

* Mill the roots in a coffee grinder to get a coffee-like powder (see below).

* Put a large spoonful in a pot with boiling water.

* Leave to steep for 5 minutes so that the flavour can develop.

* Remember to strain the coffee before drinking!




How to make herbal tea



Salad



* Put dried Selfheal, Mint and the flowers of the Elderflower into a teapot.

* Pour boiling water over them and leave to infuse for 5 minutes so that the flavours are released.

* Remember to strain the tea before serving or you’ll get a mouthful of herbs!