Lughnasadh 1999 Newsletter Blue Moon?

I have been lucky enough to obtain a second hand copy of Rosemary Hemphill’s book Herbs for all Seasons, and this is what she has to say about summer:

"It is in summer that the magic of early morning draws one into the garden soon after dawn where, surrounded by the peaceful clamour of Nature, another dimension is experienced. Working among the plants, turning the soil, unhurriedly inhaling the various scents of flowers, foliage and earth, wondering at the purity of dew crystals while birds, insects and lizards watch in friendly curiosity, makes you think that the ‘little people’ are not far away:

In old dayes of the King Artour
Of which that Bretons speken gret honour,
All was this land fulfilled of faerie;
The elf-quene with hire jolie company
Daunsed full of te in many a grene mede;
This was the old opinion as I rede.
I speke of many hundred yeres agoe,
But now can no man see non elves mo.
CHAUCER

She then suggests the following recipes for summer.

Basil Savouries

Butter thin slices of rye bread and cut them into bite size pieces, leaving the crusts on. Cover thickly with cheese (or other) spread, and lightly press a small whole basil leaf into the centre of each piece.

Nasturtium Salad

Take a small crisp, washed lettuce and tear the leaves into a salad bowl. Add 6 finely cut up nasturtium leaves. Toss the salad in 2 tables spoons of vegetable oil and 2 teaspoons of white vinegar. Arrange a few whole nasturtium flowers on top of the salad and serve.

Cooling ideas for hot days