I was acquainted with nettles as a child. They had stingers! In a rural area they grew in every unkempt corner and hedgerow. I was aware of some benefits but I did not realise what a wonderful plant it was. It can grow freely and it does in our Platt and for the first time I appreciated the beauty of the dangling female seeds. The male seeds are arranged horizontally, although they can both be found on the same plant. The female seeds struck me as extremely delicate, intricate and could easily be incorporated in the design for an ear-ring. That’s the easy bit just look, see and admire.
The seeds can be harvested and stored. Their benefits are many and via forager.org.uk knowledge can be gained. But there is much more to this plant than that. The young leaves can be harvested for nettle tea which can be made from fresh leaves or they can be dried for later use. Nettle tea will definitely be on our menu next year.
Nettle seeds are considered to be a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. The images made my mind go along this way.
a she nettle shows off
like an unruly adolescent
the common nettle does it’s own thing
goes where it chooses
sways gently in the sound of the wind
uncaringly dances as she pleases
as those intricate ear-rings
sway as her slim body moves
to the tune she hears
she wants to be loved
John Edwards (C) 11th October 2023
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