[Growster...]

I read recently, that making a 'decoction' of elder leaves is a good way to deter flies, presumably any sort of fly.

As we've been savaged by carrot fly, and also pea weevil this year, has anyone tried this? So far, I've collected about half a pound and poured about a pint of boiling water over them. They're soaking nicely this morning...

I do have the recipe if anyone wants it, but has anyone else tried this!

[8doubles]

Don`t know about the decoction but a sprig of bruised fresh leaves works with flies that are attracted to animals.
Often used in horses bridles and anglers hats !

[sunshineband]

I kow when we were children we used 'wands' of elder to keep the flies away -- didn't work with midges though 

[ex-cavator]

I've heard before that a 'brew' of elder leaf tea is good for getting rid of green / blackfly but have never tried it. Be interesting to see what others say 

[Growster...]

I've poured a pint of boiling water over several good handfuls of leaves, waited for it cool, then added 1 tsp Fairy Liquid and a pint of cold water.

That's what the recipe said, so we'll give it a try!

[Kleftiwallah]

The girly on "Victorian Farm" used this to remove the saw fly off her goosegogs.     Cheers,   Tony.

[mumofstig]

another site with herbal recipes says

Note Elder leaf is poisonous. Store carefully and make sure it is well labelled.

so be careful!

This is why John says

So, before you follow a suggestion from another gardener to make your own pest control or weed killing product, or to use a traditional remedy or an existing product in an unapproved way; please consider that you may be taking a risk with your health or that of others or the environment.

[Growster...]

I saw this Mum - O - S,  it said that just about everything on the elder is poisonous as well.

I've always use dried elderberries for the 'Christleton' red wine (see the post), and tried the fresh ones once. They're not as intense, but I found out that they are also pretty bad for you until they're cooked!

As for the flowers, the old-fashioned way to collect the flowers, was to lay a sheet on the ground, and e the fresh flowers off, never pick them.

Just think of all the other bugs, dirt etc.,ropping down as well...

[DD.]

Some keys missing off your keyboard, Growster? 

[Growster...]

'Ropping' is an old Saxon term for -

'Ye kollechun erf flowwerings frem ye ellder tree for conzumption of shampoo...'

You read it here DD!

[DD.]

I see, and what about:

and e the fresh flowers off,

I suPpose that's Yorkshire!  

[Growster...]

Aahh - now I know what happened DD!

Sometimes, there's a combination of key strokes, which can be hit without noticing, which puts the keyboard into delete and retype mode. I've often done it, and when it happened on the reply you pointed out, (that's why the bit to MOS reads a bit short), I couldn't remember the sequence to get it out of that mode, and back to normal! The only thing I could do was minimise the problem, and not worry too much and post the response!

So there you have it!

A new word for collecting elderflowers and a masterclass in writing - all in one post!

[Yorkie]

 

[8doubles]

I've always use dried elderberries for the 'Christleton' red wine (see the post), and tried the fresh ones once. They're not as intense, but I found out that they are also pretty bad for you until they're cooked!

I can tell you this is true having eaten elderberries as a kid (fatty johnson said they were ok ).
Technicolour yawn does not get close to the full effects.

[arugula]

Funny, I have sampled them many times as a youngster with no ill effect whatsoever, whilst assisting in the picking for Dad's wine making.