The red soldier beetles have been at it for weeks in my back yard. It’s virtually an orgy. I never had, or at least never noticed a large enough number of common red soldier beetles in my garden before I introduced some of their favourites – hogweed, wild carrot and long Yorkshire Fog grasses – but this year there have been so many just hanging out and getting on with business. I find them incredibly cute and fascinating.
It turns out they spend quite a bit of their short existence making sure they are bringing in the next generation. They’re also devourers of aphids and other pests. Not that it would make a big difference in my growing efforts – leaf miners and cabbage butter caterpillars have been wreaking havoc on my chard and kolrabi. Thankful once again for the wild things who don’t need any intervention from me. I’ll grow for the beasties instead. Things always come in abundance once you notice them – I encounteres so many of these large yellow underwings (below!) when out gathering linden flowers a few weeks ago too. I’ve never noticed them before and now I’ve seen at least five. Welcome, more friends.
I had some time off over the July break and normally I would be away to avoid the madness but sadly not this year. In fact, it had been probably about 8 years since I was in the city for the July festivities. I never forget that it’s coming, of course. The nearest bonfire has been building since February and the kids have been dragging the pallets along the roads for weeks. As an open minded human raised to be welcoming I never find it easy. As an environmentalist, climate concerned and a nature lover I find it unbearable.
On the 11th of July I took my daily walk in the evening just as the Irish tricolour was being raised at the Flora Walkway bonfire. Right bang in the centre of the Connswater Community Greenway. The Greenway is normally a spectacular place and a wonder of effort that East Belfast deserves. It’s also rich with wildlife and biodiversity. I’ve spotted kingfishers and so many bats. I’ve gathered fungi and cherries and baskets full of leaves and flowers. On the 12th of July, I walked towards the bonfire again and the mound was still on fire – a blue flamed mass of plastic that had filled the centre of the pyre. The fumes were so strong in the hot air of the day even from a distance. I don’t know what it will take for someone in power to notice when the environmental destruction is so plainly in front of us. Meanwhile, thousands of small creatures, plants, trees and others will perish for nothing. Glad it’s over for another year. I can just focus on the normal annoying crap, like litter, for a little while instead. I hope your July passed gently folks.
New events
A reminder you can see new events as soon as I can remember to put them up over here! I will have a couple of new locations coming soon too. I’m also running a couple of new Forage for Palestine walks next week and the following week. If you have attended and had a nice time please tell your friends! And if you have taken any photos you would like to share I would love to see them and add them to next months post.
Out this month
Meadowsweet – Gather, dry and use anywhere you want to add a delicious almond flavour to. A couple of warnings succinctly put by Mark Williams here
Rosebay Willowherb – This is heading into flower now and that is the perfect time in my opinion to gather it for tea. Dry the flowers too for a pop of colour.
Raspberries – They are having the most amazing season near me. Warmed by the sun they are one of my favourite treats.
Midsummer flowers – Roses, honeysuckle, cats ear, hedge woundwort, red clover, mallow, herb Robert,
Fat hen – or lambs quarters – grab it before it goes into seed for the best eating. Toss it into almost anything you would use spinach for.
Bilberries – I haven’t even had a chance to check my spots yet but this is high on my list of things to find in the coming weeks
Pineapple Weed – This chamomile cousin has lots of the same properties but with a stronger tropical taste. I love adding it to cakes with lime zest.
Yarrow – It is also heading into flower but the leaves are the most beautiful addition to a summery drink – blend with mint, lemon juice and honey and serve over ice. Totally delicious!
Seed Season
I love seed season. To celebrate I have a whole load of things you can use nettle seeds in over here but you can easily sub all of these recipes with plantain seed or even your favourite non wild seed or nut – sesame, flax, chia etc. I just love seeds. Use them! More seed recipes coming…
feasting on weeds 
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