Loved this piece and could relate in so many ways. Just the sheer act of mindfulness of avoiding being pricked. Gorse to me brings back a story from my dad who convinced a young boy (me) that these were in fact chocolate trees and that if we got to the top of the hill where the gorse was plentiful we’d find some. We did of course….but strangely in the shape of a cadburys square!
I’m wondering if there is a best time to pick for use in this recipe. Arthur’s seat might be calling, or I may need to wait for next year!
I have an idea for a book called The Lies They Told Use, about what parents told us innocent kids and I reckon this would be a worthy entry! The flowers are around for a while but I think a sunny spring day is the best time
Unless you have a special recipe for its favourite food I suspect that might be the only way, but it would mean that we could have a coffee and a cake at the very least
Thanks for this welcome distraction from a writing commission with a pressing deadline. I immediately want to rush out to the nearest gorse patch and gather some flowers.
Right …. Still eating my Dhansak but observations and a question.
1. Get a new bicycle pump as I think yours may have a great tit caught in it .
2. I don’t drink so all these fab things like sloe gin, gorse rum etc pass me by. I don’t even know if I like Pina Colada but getting caught in the rain isn’t my thing.
The question is - I grow gorse on the plot but can you make the syrup with the double flowering type or does it have to be the single?
Unrelated and I haven’t read this post yet but I just made that Dhansak again from your herb book and it’s bloody lovely . I think I said it last time but honestly, it’s worth saying again. Right…. Let’s have a read then!
What a song. Both from Morrison and the bunting. My imagination has decided you have a large sideboard filled with all these amazing beverages, variety of colours and blooms. Guests of yours must be very lucky x
I loved this Mark! Your Voice Over stops me skimming and got so much more. And thank you - discovered a new Morrison classic - just lovely. Hoping I can become a simple, uncomplicated creature and find some Gorse at Holkham this weekend. Your posts make me ache to live closer to the sea.
Loved this piece and could relate in so many ways. Just the sheer act of mindfulness of avoiding being pricked. Gorse to me brings back a story from my dad who convinced a young boy (me) that these were in fact chocolate trees and that if we got to the top of the hill where the gorse was plentiful we’d find some. We did of course….but strangely in the shape of a cadburys square!
I’m wondering if there is a best time to pick for use in this recipe. Arthur’s seat might be calling, or I may need to wait for next year!
I have an idea for a book called The Lies They Told Use, about what parents told us innocent kids and I reckon this would be a worthy entry! The flowers are around for a while but I think a sunny spring day is the best time
that's such a lovely tale!
thank you thank you
Would love to see/hear a cirl bunting. I suppose it would help if I went to where they’re found…
I'm playing the sound right now in lieu of being there....
Also, this whole Abundance thing is an absolute joy.
Thank you Lev, that has made my day
Unless you have a special recipe for its favourite food I suspect that might be the only way, but it would mean that we could have a coffee and a cake at the very least
Keep the cocktail recipes coming! Now all I need to do is source gorse in SW London!
I shall! One of the commons might be your best bet with luck
My Irish mother called them whins ... and in Irish myth apparently associated with love and fertility ... added to a bride's bouquet etc
Such a lovely name
Thanks for this welcome distraction from a writing commission with a pressing deadline. I immediately want to rush out to the nearest gorse patch and gather some flowers.
Thank you Christine, and I hope your deadline hasn’t been missed due to picking!
Very interesting.... how coconutty is gorse? A tiny bit... or are we talking Malibu?
gentle...but pleasingly present
Right …. Still eating my Dhansak but observations and a question.
1. Get a new bicycle pump as I think yours may have a great tit caught in it .
2. I don’t drink so all these fab things like sloe gin, gorse rum etc pass me by. I don’t even know if I like Pina Colada but getting caught in the rain isn’t my thing.
The question is - I grow gorse on the plot but can you make the syrup with the double flowering type or does it have to be the single?
Cheers 🥂
Ha ha! If it’s gorse and it smells of coconut, I’d make the syrup!
Unrelated and I haven’t read this post yet but I just made that Dhansak again from your herb book and it’s bloody lovely . I think I said it last time but honestly, it’s worth saying again. Right…. Let’s have a read then!
Thank you Gill!
Who doesn't love a slow meditative pluck? And not a mention of kissing in season! 🥥 💛
I’m the wholesome sort
Lovely. Thank you.
Thank you Roselle
Such beautiful writing, Mark. Can't beat Van the man. I'm seeing Gorse flowers in a new light, thank you.
Thank you Frances, that's very lovely to know
What a song. Both from Morrison and the bunting. My imagination has decided you have a large sideboard filled with all these amazing beverages, variety of colours and blooms. Guests of yours must be very lucky x
Hi Anna, what songs indeed! There's a clutch of bottles in a cupboard, s few in the fridge and some newer ones infusing on the shelf in the kitchen!
I feel a Gorse Pina Colada incoming next time I’m in Cornwall. Gorse bushes aplenty on the coastal path there. Excellent!
The perfect holiday pursuit!
Just gorgeous!
Thank you Elisabeth
I loved this Mark! Your Voice Over stops me skimming and got so much more. And thank you - discovered a new Morrison classic - just lovely. Hoping I can become a simple, uncomplicated creature and find some Gorse at Holkham this weekend. Your posts make me ache to live closer to the sea.
Thank you Anna - it's so good to know you're enjoying the words (in spoken or written form!) and hoping you find some gorse flowering this weekend
Mark what a wonderful accompaniment to my mid-morning coffee. Loved reading and listening to this chapter. Another alcoholic beverage for me to try!
Thank you JP! Very lovely of you