Angélique

All Angélique items

How to propagate baby's breath?
On page one

Choosing

How to propagate baby's breath?

by Angélique
the 28 July 2025
  1. How to dry blue thistle flowers?

    Choosing

    How to dry blue thistle flowers?

    by Angélique

    the 15 June 2025 3 min.
  2. How to propagate Acanthus?

    Choosing

    How to propagate Acanthus?

    by Angélique

    the 26 August 2025 3 min.
  3. How to take a cutting from broom?

    Choosing

    How to take a cutting from broom?

    by Angélique

    the 4 September 2025 3 min.
  4. How to make witch-hazel tea?

    Plants and flowers

    How to make witch-hazel tea?

    by Angélique

    the 4 September 2025 2 min.
  5. How to prune a flowering currant?

    Choosing

    How to prune a flowering currant?

    by Angélique

    the 4 September 2025 2 min.
  6. Planting ginger: how to grow ginger easily

    Choosing

    Planting ginger: how to grow ginger easily

    by Angélique

    the 4 September 2025 3 min.
  7. How to make pine-needle tisane

1. Choose needles
- Use needles from edible pine species such as Pinus sylvestris, Pinus strobus or Pinus mugo.  
- Do not use yew (Taxus) or any tree you cannot identify. Avoid trees treated with pesticides or growing beside busy roads.

2. Harvesting and preparation
- Pick fresh, young needles (new growth in spring has best flavour).  
- Rinse needles under cold water to remove dust and insects.  
- Remove any brown or damaged needles and woody parts.  
- Chop or bruise needles lightly to release oils.

3. Quantities
- Use about 1 tablespoon (3–5 g) chopped needles per 250 ml water for a mild infusion. Use 2–3 tablespoons for stronger flavour.

4. Brewing
- Bring water to the boil.  
- Pour boiling water over needles in a teapot or cup, cover and steep 5–10 minutes (shorter steep preserves more vitamin C and fresher aroma). For a stronger, more resinous drink you can simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, but avoid prolonged boiling.

5. Serve
- Strain into cup. Add honey, lemon or a sprig of mint to taste. Pine-needle tisane has a fresh, resinous, slightly citrusy flavour.

6. Storage
- Best consumed fresh. Keep refrigerated and use within 24–48 hours if necessary.

7. Safety and cautions
- If unsure of species, do not consume.  
- Limit intake and avoid regular large doses. Pine-needle tisane is traditionally used occasionally rather than daily.  
- Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding and if you have high blood pressure, kidney disease or take prescription medication without consulting a healthcare professional.  
- Stop use and seek advice if allergic reaction or digestive upset occurs.

Enjoy pine-needle tisane in moderation and always ensure correct identification of tree before harvesting.

    Plants and flowers

    How to make pine-needle tisane 1. Choose needles - Use needles from edible pine species such as Pinus sylvestris, Pinus strobus or Pinus mugo. - Do not use yew (Taxus) or any tree you cannot identify. Avoid trees treated with pesticides or growing beside busy roads. 2. Harvesting and preparation - Pick fresh, young needles (new growth in spring has best flavour). - Rinse needles under cold water to remove dust and insects. - Remove any brown or damaged needles and woody parts. - Chop or bruise needles lightly to release oils. 3. Quantities - Use about 1 tablespoon (3–5 g) chopped needles per 250 ml water for a mild infusion. Use 2–3 tablespoons for stronger flavour. 4. Brewing - Bring water to the boil. - Pour boiling water over needles in a teapot or cup, cover and steep 5–10 minutes (shorter steep preserves more vitamin C and fresher aroma). For a stronger, more resinous drink you can simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, but avoid prolonged boiling. 5. Serve - Strain into cup. Add honey, lemon or a sprig of mint to taste. Pine-needle tisane has a fresh, resinous, slightly citrusy flavour. 6. Storage - Best consumed fresh. Keep refrigerated and use within 24–48 hours if necessary. 7. Safety and cautions - If unsure of species, do not consume. - Limit intake and avoid regular large doses. Pine-needle tisane is traditionally used occasionally rather than daily. - Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding and if you have high blood pressure, kidney disease or take prescription medication without consulting a healthcare professional. - Stop use and seek advice if allergic reaction or digestive upset occurs. Enjoy pine-needle tisane in moderation and always ensure correct identification of tree before harvesting.

    by Angélique

    the 4 September 2025 2 min.
  8. How to prune Anisodontea?

    Choosing

    How to prune Anisodontea?

    by Angélique

    the 4 September 2025 3 min.
  9. Planting bare-root boxwood

    Choosing

    Planting bare-root boxwood

    by Angélique

    the 4 September 2025 3 min.