Friday 12 July 2013

Our Lady's Mantle.

 

I have several specimens of Lady's Mantle, (Alchemilla), scattered throughout the garden. They can look quite attractive, most particularly in the early morning when they are still wet with dew.

 

The problem however is that they are just too damned successful. They insist upon replicating themselves with gay abandon. The fecundity of their self seeding exploits would leave rabbits awestruck. Every year I rip out hundreds of seedlings. It does seem such a waste, but there appears to be no alternative. The mature plants which I have are more than adequate even for the most ardent of herbalists. Apparently it was used as a heart tonic and diuretic and to treat bleeding wounds. The fresh leaves can be used in poultices, whilst the dried leaves are used in infusions.

 

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