The Elder Ushers In the Summer

The hawthorn flowers may have faded, but the elder has taken on the floral mantle with gusto. The hedgerows continue to brim into early summer, frothing with creamy blooms. Their heady scent is unmistakable as I walk the local lanes and field edges – especially strong after rain.

The flowers came early this year, opening before the end of May, and I took advantage of a sunny morning a couple of weeks back to gather elderflower heads for cordial making (using Pam Corbin’s lovely recipe – available from River Cottage here). Elderflowers are at their best on a warm, sunny mid-morning, so I’m glad I seized the moment before the rain set in.

Don’t worry – the blooms are abundant this year, and should be around for a couple more weeks if you fancy catching your own golden morning for foraging.

In old European folklore, the Elder Mother was the spirit who lived within the elder tree. To take from the tree without her blessing was to risk misfortune. Some traditions said you must ask three times before cutting a branch – and only if your need was true.

As with so many old tales, there’s a thread of practical wisdom woven in: take only what you need, and do so with care.

If you’re gathering elderflowers, it’s good practice to leave at least two-thirds of the blooms on any bush. The rest will become elderberries later in the year – a feast for birds and, if you’re lucky, a winter syrup for your cupboard too.

And so the cordial is made – some to sip now, and some stored in the cupboard to save for a winter’s day, when we need a reminder that summer will come again.