Bittersweet

This is the Woody Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) and not the dangerous Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna). This specimen is growing at the bottom of the farmyard amongst blackberries and nettles. "Dulcamara" is derived from the Latin (written amaradulcis in the Middle Ages) and means bittersweet and in times when the plant was used medically the leaves first tasted bitter then sweet. Please don't try and eat them now as apparently they make one sick! The flowers are purple with yellow stamens. Out of 1,700 different species found across the world only the Woody and the Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) are natives of the British Isles. The potato and aubergine are related.

Gerard says many centuries ago: "The juice is good for those that have fallen from high places, and have been thereby bruised or beaten, for it is thought to dissolve blood congealed or cluttered anywhere in the intrals and to heale the hurt places."

Another grey day but good news from the latest test on the Linseed - it is off to Belgium and the purchaser will pay for all the export expenses. A lorry will come and collect it next week and catch the ferry! T just hopes the lorry doesn't get stuck on our steep hill and miss the boat!