We have not had any of the snow that was forecast, we have though, had some cold weather. This years snowdrops are late. These are shown growing among the raspberry canes that we have fed with horse dung. The celandines are up, and hopefully will give as good a display as in previous years.
Snowdrops should not be eaten. Celandines, Chelidonium, are for some a perennial weed. The sap from them is orange and is a tradition treatment for warts and corns when dabbed on them. When freshly picked they can be used in infusions or tinctures. Medicinally it is used as an anti inflammatory herb, it stimulates the uterus and circulatory system, it is also used as an anti-spasmodic and laxative. There are numerous other uses, but it should not be given to pregnant women.
This part of the garden is particularly cold and, during January, does not receive any sunlight, even on the brightest day. Yet, as the sun rises into the sky the raspberry bed changes. With the snowdrops we have daffodils and primroses that bloom in March, and by then, raspberries are beginning to move upwards. We pick the fruit from July through to November, almost on a daily basis. The sun rises to give them warmth and light from the beginning of February.
Of course we are harassed by blackbirds that defend their right to eat the juicy red berries. Our cat is now fifteen years old and cannot deter them in the way he used, so last year, we resorted to partial netting. The cat sometimes chases blackbirds but is never successful in catching them.
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