Berlin is so full of good things. Last Friday I went along to a Kräuterwanderung organized by the Grüne Liga. We met at the gates of the botanic garden in Blankenfelde and within minutes were plucking birch leaves off a supple branch and popping them into our mouths. It didn't stop there: linden leaves, tender pine needles, daisies, violets and beech-buds are a few of the other delicacies we sampled. When I left early because S was fussing, the group was just tramping down a tree-shaded path to collect wild Bärlauch with Elizabeth Westphal in the lead (a profoundly amiable guide).
I cannot imagine a more charming way to spend a morning. Spring is the perfect time to explore the fields, so sign up now!
Well, I never knew about pine needles, how good! Have you ever tried marigold? Yummy!
All the best
Jo
Posted by: Jo Spittler | April 15, 2009 at 07:03 AM
Another great tip of an unusual thing to do in Berlin... it's tips such as these that are why I love your site!
Posted by: The Antiques Diva | April 17, 2009 at 04:22 AM
Jo, I don't think I have tried marigold, or only in the context of a rarefied salad. I'll watch out for it! And Antiques Diva, thank you for the kind words -- enjoy!
Posted by: Berlin Reified | April 17, 2009 at 04:30 AM
Just signed up for the walk on June 12!
Posted by: Leslie | May 04, 2009 at 02:48 PM
Leslie, I almost wrote to ask if you wanted to join me on this one (the friend I was going with had to cancel at the last minute) but then was too shy. Now I'm kicking myself! Enjoy the 12th -- Elizabeth is fabulous.
Posted by: Berlin Reified | May 05, 2009 at 07:26 AM
That's really sweet that you were too shy! Don't worry, I don't bite. Just kidding. Anyway, it would have been nice to meet you, but on the other hand, I'm kind of glad that I got to read about your experience first and have some time for Vorfreude and anticipation before I go on the walk myself. Particularly because during this time I have been reading about walks and my Brooklyn partner-in-crime Sara has reported on a really nice guided walk, all of which is inspiring me to document the herb walk for our blog.
Posted by: Leslie | May 05, 2009 at 03:52 PM
Vorfreude is the best, it's true, but I still hope our paths will cross one day!
Posted by: Berlin Reified | May 05, 2009 at 06:04 PM
Here's Sara's walk, through a salt marsh in Brooklyn:
http://urbanplants.wordpress.com/2009/05/04/brooklyn-a-guided-walk-through-the-salt-marsh-of-marine-park/
Posted by: Leslie | May 05, 2009 at 06:14 PM