Samhain in the Garden

Samhain in the Garden

Oct 25, 2025 | Hedgerow Medicine, Rowan McOnegal

Samhain approaches, at the end of this month, the night of the 31st of October. The garden, orchards and hills are full of seeds, fruits, berries and nuts, and here in Herefordshire we have had a huge apple crop. Many of us have been busy juicing and making chutneys...
Autumn in the Garden

Autumn in the Garden

Sep 19, 2025 | Hedgerow Medicine, Rowan McOnegal

The Latest from the Garden Hello, all herb lovers!  Autumn approaches, and the days and nights will be equal when I run my second-to-last herb course of the year on September 20th & 21st. There is one more, on November 15th & 16th.  It’s been a dry...
Radical perfumery

Radical perfumery

Jul 7, 2023 | Hedgerow Medicine

The word ‘perfume’ comes from the Latin ‘per’ ( through) and ‘fumar’ ( to smoke). So, ‘from the smoke’. Scent arrives in our brains unmediated by consciousness. We respond before we know it. Since ancient times, humans have enjoyed rubbing fragrant substances into our...
In praise of plants: using our own resources

In praise of plants: using our own resources

May 9, 2019 | Hedgerow Medicine

The use of medicinal plants in wartime Britain … and a bit about the legal rights of herbalists to practise. In 1512, under the rule of Henry VIII, an Act was passed that became known as the Herbalists’ Charter. It stated that: …it shall be lawful to every person...
Elderflower – Power and Protection

Elderflower – Power and Protection

Oct 8, 2018 | Hedgerow Medicine

Also known as Sambucus nigra, Ellhorn, Eldrun, Hyldor, Witches’ tree, Pipe tree and many other names. There is a wealth of folklore about this tree, which is one of the most noticeable flowering shrubs in early summer, especially in damp places such as alongside...
Spring Tonics and Rosemary!

Spring Tonics and Rosemary!

Oct 8, 2018 | Hedgerow Medicine

….making the Earth a Common Treasury for all…” First Digger Manifesto, 1649 Many traditional ‘spring tonics’ serve the purpose of a spring cleanse after a winter deprived of fresh food. Such herbs ripe for harvesting now are cleavers, nettle and dandelion roots. A...