Summer

The hedges get loud

Summer is flowers first — elderflower for cordial — then the first soft fruit. It's the season of abundance, and the easiest time to start.

What's up now

elderflower    cordial, champagne
cherry plum    early jams
mallow         leaves and the little cheese fruits
chickweed      mild green, all summer

The feel of it

Go in the morning before the heat. The elderflower heads are at their best on a dry day, and they only last a week or two.