Hogweed and cheese

Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium)  Caution: Hogweed is a member of the carrot family which contains several highly poisonous species. Direct contact with the raw plant can cause phototoxic effects, so always wear gloves and long sleeves when handling.   Hogweed is very widespread, growing in meadows, hedgerows and along the edges of fields. It has large pinnate…

An early crop of Alexanders

Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum) When I went for a stroll the other day I was quite surprised to see this patch of Alexanders flourishing so early in the year. Normally I wouldn’t expect them until late February/ early March, but it appears this year they are taking advantage of the mild winter to get a head start on…