2 August 1947: Its floral pyramids are among the most beautiful and sweet-scented flowers in the gardenPenrithCutting a privet hedge – which needs to be done twice a year to keep it in decent order– is a rather weary and tiring job, but the frequent rests provide one with opportunities for contemplation about the privet itself, its beauty, permanence, and lore. Contrary to general belief it is not a true evergreen, though it may appear to be so except when a severe winter browns and strips the leaves. The leaves are renewed every spring, but the old ones do not lose their hold or fall (normally) until the new ones are ready to take their place. Watch the growth of the new leaf closely and it will be noticed that there is no process of unfolding such as occurs on deciduous trees; instead the leaves bourgeon completely formed, and gradually increase in size, but do not alter in form or shape. It is a pity that in the interests of tidiness the privet is not as a rule permitted to flower and fruit to any appreciable extent, for the floral pyramids are among the most beautiful and sweet-scented flowers in the garden.Privet, too, has an anciently reputed medicinal value. A note in my collection states: “The leaves made into powder are good to be strowed upon hoale ulcers and naughtie festerings”; and another runs, “Whatsoever is burned or scalded with fire may be healed with the brothe of privet leaves.” It is of the family oleaceae and is thus a relative of the lilac, which (on a smaller scale) it resembles. Continue reading…
Source : theguardian.com
Read more…Country diary 1947: the beauty of the privet
