April
April, the month for falling in love. Each year April comes round, head-over-heels I tumble, hopelessly swooned by the magic of Spring. It doesn’t take much, the first siting of the Early Purple Orchid or the sound of a Cuckoo is enough to get a flutter of butterflies to dance in my stomach. Like all romances, the beginning is sweetest, blinded by love, I overlook any inconveniences (cue rain) in favour of hedgerows lined with wildflowers and evening walks in light. I go to bed dreaming of the coming Dawn chorus and awake with the thought of emerging seedlings. Oh Spring, how I love you!
In the Woods
If you thought I spent a lot of time in the woods beforehand, I practically live in the woods in April. Who can blame me when the floor is carpeted in wild flowers - anemones, bluebells, wild garlic, violets, ground ivy, primroses, studded with the ocassional orchid - I can’t think of a more beautiful place on Earth than the woods in Spring.
Earlier this month, on my usual wander in the woods after work, I experienced something very special. At the bottom of the hill where the pond topples into the river, a young Roe deer met my eye. Instead of running, the deer moved gracefully around me. I had never been so close to a deer before. A moment such as this really brings me back into the present and reminds me that I too am a part of nature, as much a part of nature as the deer, and together we move through life with the same purpose, to simply exist. I continued on my walk as the deer continued its business.
2. In the Field
With a heavy rainfall, the grass is growing lush and longer by day. I so enjoy watching my feet disappear amongst the green as I move through fields. Nestled amongst the grass my eyes settle on the Heath woodrush - a delicate little rush, speckled brown and white, it flowers in April. Kissing the field’s edge are Nettles, Cuckoo flowers and Cleavers. Ladybirds can be spotted on Nettles, laying their eggs on the large furry leaves and I have to tame my eager hands when picking the tops to ensure for no ladybirds first.
3. In the Garden
For me, the garden in April means the allotment (newly acquired I might add!). I really do think that nothing will ever quite compare to the feeling of growing food from seed. After feeding the beds with a sumptious mulch, I make drills with the end of my rake, just like my Dad taught me when I was small, and in the small channel of hope, I place with deep intention, teeny-tiny seeds, sprinkled over with soil, I wish them to say hello again soon. Given the variable weather this year, I admit, I may have been a little premature with some of my seed sowing - never-mind. At home, my windows are lined with a Tetris of trays and pots and in them, seedlings vie for the light’s attention. I am a worried Mother, checking on my seeds every hour and feeling useless when nothing emerges!
4. In the Cauldron
This month has mainly been about fermenting. Fresh green leaves from wild plants such as Cow Parsley and Jack-by-the-hedge have been pounded down and stuffed in jars. I have to confess here that I tasted a fork full of my latest wild ferment at lunch today and did find it to be very ‘green’. The bitter flavour takes a little getting used to and I think I will add cabbage next time to balance the strength.
The dye pot has been very busy and I am enjoying experimenting with Spring plants. I am currently working on an exciting project, working with local Romney Marsh wool and local makers to bring to life products I have designed and will use foraged, seasonal plants to dye. It has been both thrilling and humbling to work with local fibre and people - not only in forging a small community but also in creating a closed loop economy whereby nothing is wasted and all people, animals and plants involved are respected. I am really looking forward to sharing more about this with you in the coming months!
5. Inspiration
Historia Plantarum - c.350 BC
