The Wood Violet is our Wisconsin State Flower. We are blessed to have them all over the place in Spring.
They’re nice to “candy” too. You take egg white, brush it on the (picked) flowers, then dip them in superfine sugar. They’re edible, and look so cute on top of a pastel cupcake as a Spring treat.
I eat a lot of things right off my lawn; dandelion greens wilted in olive oil and garlic (& dandelion wine) purslane, violets, etc. Obviously I don’t treat my lawn with any chemicals, but then I don’t have any neighbors to compete with for “Most Sterile Lawn.” *Rolleyes*
That jelly looks absolutely beautiful ... such a gorgeous color. Maybe someday I’ll learn to can. My mom used to do it, but I never learned. I should ask some time.
I sampled some nasturtiums from my yard last year, as they’re edible, and they were okay. Maybe they could have used a sugar coating though.
Last summer, I made myself cups of herbal hot tea, using borage, mint, or lavender. My favorite is lavender. It is SO relaxing, just before bedtime. I’m surprised I don’t see lavender tea/pills marketed as a sleep aid, at least not in local stores. I have seen the tea online though.
Have a friend who used to cater—she did a beautiful wheel of cheese—brie, maybe?—with layers of glaze. Inbetween layers, she’d put pansies, herbs, etc. Stunning.
Dandelions are too bitter for me. Shudder. The only bitterish thing I like is dark chocolate! My grandma used to have a recipe for dandlion wine. Is it really wine or is it more of a tonic?
I don’t have to worry about chemicals—just dogs. i’ve got 3 rat terrorists.