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COVID-19 Statement.
Elder Cottage is cleaned in line with guidelines from Sykes Cottages Alcohol wipes, hand gel and disposable gloves are supplied for your use Please wash your hands using soap regularly When out and about in the local community please: - observe guidelines in shops and other locations - maintain social distancing |
Welcome
Welcome to Elder Cottage
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enjoy your stay
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Please make yourself at home. This pack contains lots of information about the cottage and the area.
If you spot any problems with the cottage or need any assistance please contact me on 07701 029819 / [email protected]
I love this area and finally moved to the Craignish peninsula in 2006 after many holidays and trips. As an avid sea kayaker, I spent many a weekend heading off out to the isles. Like many people here, my husband, Bill, sailed in to Loch Craignish some years ago and never really left. We now live in Ardfern. I normally teach yoga in the village hall and am currently teaching online - you are most welcome to come and join a class or workshop and can find more details here.
When you arrive please take a quick look round the cottage to ensure that it is in good condition. We have taken great care to ensure that the place is clean, fresh and ready for you but if you spot anything not working etc please get in touch in order that I can sort things as soon as possible.
There is tea (regular and herbal), real coffee, milk and sugar so you can have a hot cuppa and begin to relax immediately after your journey.
Please respect our no smoking and no pets policy.
I aspire to living lightly on this planet and hope you can join me on this journey. I am trying to use environmentally friendly products wherever possible in Elder Cottage although this is probably slightly difficult at this time of pandemic.
Have fun!
Diane Oliver
If you spot any problems with the cottage or need any assistance please contact me on 07701 029819 / [email protected]
I love this area and finally moved to the Craignish peninsula in 2006 after many holidays and trips. As an avid sea kayaker, I spent many a weekend heading off out to the isles. Like many people here, my husband, Bill, sailed in to Loch Craignish some years ago and never really left. We now live in Ardfern. I normally teach yoga in the village hall and am currently teaching online - you are most welcome to come and join a class or workshop and can find more details here.
When you arrive please take a quick look round the cottage to ensure that it is in good condition. We have taken great care to ensure that the place is clean, fresh and ready for you but if you spot anything not working etc please get in touch in order that I can sort things as soon as possible.
There is tea (regular and herbal), real coffee, milk and sugar so you can have a hot cuppa and begin to relax immediately after your journey.
Please respect our no smoking and no pets policy.
I aspire to living lightly on this planet and hope you can join me on this journey. I am trying to use environmentally friendly products wherever possible in Elder Cottage although this is probably slightly difficult at this time of pandemic.
Have fun!
Diane Oliver
Garden and parking
The garden is south facing and can be a lovely sunny spot.
There is a table and 4 chairs on the patio for you to enjoy and a whirlie washing line (pegs in cupboard under stairs) - please always replace the cover when not in use (the cover is made from upcycled old sails).
There is a small BBQ which takes charcoal - please be careful when using, dispose of the used charcoal in the metal bin and clean the BBQ after use. The BBQ and charcoal are in the brown box on the patio.
Parking may be available for one vehicle in the lane between the cottages with more parking space in the marina car park. Please park considerately and leave plenty of space for folks already parked in the lane to get out. I find parking in the marina car park easiest - especially if you park near the little walk through between the car park and the Green.
There is a table and 4 chairs on the patio for you to enjoy and a whirlie washing line (pegs in cupboard under stairs) - please always replace the cover when not in use (the cover is made from upcycled old sails).
There is a small BBQ which takes charcoal - please be careful when using, dispose of the used charcoal in the metal bin and clean the BBQ after use. The BBQ and charcoal are in the brown box on the patio.
Parking may be available for one vehicle in the lane between the cottages with more parking space in the marina car park. Please park considerately and leave plenty of space for folks already parked in the lane to get out. I find parking in the marina car park easiest - especially if you park near the little walk through between the car park and the Green.
Beds and towels
The kingsize double and single bed are made up and ready to use.
There is a lightweight kingsize duvet in the wardrobe for when it gets warmer in the summer - please take the cover off the duvet on the bed and use on the lightweight one if you wish to swap over.
The sofa bed in the twin room will only be made up should there be more than 3 people in your party. If you wish to use it please remove the cover and you’ll find the pillows and duvet with clean covers in the drawer under the single bed.
We have provided towels for use in the cottage. Please use your own towels for outdoor activities and going swimming.
There is a lightweight kingsize duvet in the wardrobe for when it gets warmer in the summer - please take the cover off the duvet on the bed and use on the lightweight one if you wish to swap over.
The sofa bed in the twin room will only be made up should there be more than 3 people in your party. If you wish to use it please remove the cover and you’ll find the pillows and duvet with clean covers in the drawer under the single bed.
We have provided towels for use in the cottage. Please use your own towels for outdoor activities and going swimming.
wifi
WiFi
Username: Elder Cottage
Password: Dandelions!slugs9
Password: Dandelions!slugs9
appliances
Hot water and shower
Hot water is on a timer and the switch is located on the wall to the right of the cooker. There will be hot water in the tank when you arrive as we will have hit the button earlier in the day.
The switch for the power shower is on the wall just outside the bathroom. The shower takes water from the hot water tank so remember to heat water before you want a shower. The tank is well insulated and if you hit the button 3x (gives 2hour heating) before you go to bed you will still have hot water for showers in the morning (alternatively, get up early, hit the switch, make a pot of tea and retreat to bed and have a lazy morning).
The switch for the power shower is on the wall just outside the bathroom. The shower takes water from the hot water tank so remember to heat water before you want a shower. The tank is well insulated and if you hit the button 3x (gives 2hour heating) before you go to bed you will still have hot water for showers in the morning (alternatively, get up early, hit the switch, make a pot of tea and retreat to bed and have a lazy morning).
Manuals
Vacuum
Dishwasher
Microwave
TV
Fan
Carbon monoxide alarm
Smoke alarms
These are wireless interlinked smoke alarms - if the alarm goes off please check for fire and then if you are satisfied there is no fire, you can temporarily silence them by briefly pressing the central button of one. The alarms will automatically return to full sensitivity within 10 minutes.
Water heater
Dishwasher
Microwave
TV
Fan
Carbon monoxide alarm
Smoke alarms
These are wireless interlinked smoke alarms - if the alarm goes off please check for fire and then if you are satisfied there is no fire, you can temporarily silence them by briefly pressing the central button of one. The alarms will automatically return to full sensitivity within 10 minutes.
Water heater
CookerThe hob and cooker (grill/oven) isolation switches are located on the wall to the left of the cooker.
If you switch the oven off at the wall you will need to ‘set’ the clock - see picture. NB: the oven will not work unless the clock is set to the time - sometimes it gets set to timer and then ‘stuck’ - please reset the 'time of day'. Washing machineWashing machine - too old for a manual, hopefully it is self explanatory
Tumble dryer - If you are looking for a tumble dryer please head over to Croabh Marina laundry - they have coin operated machines - tokens are available to purchase from the Marina shop. |
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Heating and multi fuel stove
The cottage is heated by electric intelligent radiators. They will react if a door or window is left open accidentally by going into standby mode (the control panel will flash red) and the heater should reset once the door/window is closed - if it does not, press 'enter' for 10 seconds.
The living room should be set at 21 degrees C and the bedrooms at 15 degrees C and are on timers - this sometimes gets changed by guests and then forgotten to be reset in which case please ensure they are not left up high when you are out and about.
You can 'advance' and/or 'advance boost' the heating by:
Please don't be cold, however I would ask that if you are out, you advance the heating to Comfort Off - it does get really expensive to run - thanks.
The towel rail in the shower room takes ages to heat - I recommend leaving it on.
The stove is set ready for you to light. A starter pack of fire lighters, kindling and wood is here for you too. There is a metal dustbin outside in the garden for ash. If it is winter or a cold patch of weather, I recommend keeping the multi fuel 'in' overnight and some kind of long burning coal bricks like these are the best way to do this - wood will go out overnight.
More wood and kindling is available to buy locally from both the shop at the LOTI and Will Goudy Tree Services who keeps logs in a small timber shed on the right hand side of the road as you come in to Ardfern Village (opposite the Yacht Centre). I also keep spare wood in the plastic bins outside - there is a white bag for you to 'guesstimate' the amount you use - I would really appreciate a donation to my PayPal of £6/bag please if you use it, thank you.
The living room should be set at 21 degrees C and the bedrooms at 15 degrees C and are on timers - this sometimes gets changed by guests and then forgotten to be reset in which case please ensure they are not left up high when you are out and about.
You can 'advance' and/or 'advance boost' the heating by:
- If the heater is in a Comfort Off period and you wish heat, press the Advance button.
- If the heater is in Comfort On and you don't wish heat, press the advance button and it will go off until the beginning of the next Comfort On period
- For a one hour boost - press the Advance button twice. Continue pressing the advance button to enter longer boost periods up to four hours.
Please don't be cold, however I would ask that if you are out, you advance the heating to Comfort Off - it does get really expensive to run - thanks.
The towel rail in the shower room takes ages to heat - I recommend leaving it on.
The stove is set ready for you to light. A starter pack of fire lighters, kindling and wood is here for you too. There is a metal dustbin outside in the garden for ash. If it is winter or a cold patch of weather, I recommend keeping the multi fuel 'in' overnight and some kind of long burning coal bricks like these are the best way to do this - wood will go out overnight.
More wood and kindling is available to buy locally from both the shop at the LOTI and Will Goudy Tree Services who keeps logs in a small timber shed on the right hand side of the road as you come in to Ardfern Village (opposite the Yacht Centre). I also keep spare wood in the plastic bins outside - there is a white bag for you to 'guesstimate' the amount you use - I would really appreciate a donation to my PayPal of £6/bag please if you use it, thank you.
DiffuserTo use the diffuser - clean, then fill to red dot with water and add a few drops of pure essential oil (start with one or 2 drops - you can always add more but I find doTERRA oils to be a lot more powerful than others I have used over the years). Click the button on the front which will run the diffuser for 2 or 4 hours.
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where can i find?
Where can I find....
First aid kit - shower room cabinet
Smoke alarms - in kitchen and at top of the stairs
Fire blanket - inside the wall cupboard door to the left of the cooker
Dishwashing products - washing up liquid and basin - under the sink; dishwasher tablets - under sink
Hairdryer - double bedroom drawers
Located in the cupboard under the stairs are:
Smoke alarms - in kitchen and at top of the stairs
Fire blanket - inside the wall cupboard door to the left of the cooker
Dishwashing products - washing up liquid and basin - under the sink; dishwasher tablets - under sink
Hairdryer - double bedroom drawers
Located in the cupboard under the stairs are:
- Dining table chairs
- Folding side table
- Iron and ironing board
- Clothes airer
- Vacuum cleaner, floor brush/mop, dustpan and brush
- Cleaning products
- Simple tool box
- Spare light bulbs and batteries
- Extra bin bags
bins & recycling
Bins and recycling
There are 2 small bins under the kitchen sink - one for landfill waste and one for recycling - paper, cardboard, tins, cans, tetra packs, plastic bottles and plastic containers.
When these are full and before you leave, please empty them into the shared, large wheelie bins located at the rear of the properties - at the back of the lane.
GREEN = landfill (emptied every 3 weeks)
BLUE = recycling (emptied every 2 weeks)
Glass bottles and jars have to be recycled separately and there are glass recycling bins located in the following carparks:
When these are full and before you leave, please empty them into the shared, large wheelie bins located at the rear of the properties - at the back of the lane.
GREEN = landfill (emptied every 3 weeks)
BLUE = recycling (emptied every 2 weeks)
Glass bottles and jars have to be recycled separately and there are glass recycling bins located in the following carparks:
- Craignish Village Hall, Ardfern
- Tesco’s, Oban
- Co-operative, Lochgilphead.
departure
On departing
I really hope you have enjoyed your time here. Please leave before 10am.
Before you leave please:
Have a safe and stress free journey onwards and I look forward to welcoming you to Elder Cottage again in the future.
Before you leave please:
- Remember to sign the visitors book
- Empty the bins
- Strip any beds used - including mattress covers (please leave the waterproof ones on) and pillow protectors - place bedding and towels in bag provided for this
- Remove scatter cushion covers and add to laundry bag
- Add tea towels, oven gloves and any used cleaning cloths to the laundry bag
- Take all left over food with you
- Take a last check round and make sure you have packed everything that belongs to you
- Log out of any TV subscriptions such as Netflix, YouTube etc
- Leave all windows slightly open and turn down any heating
Have a safe and stress free journey onwards and I look forward to welcoming you to Elder Cottage again in the future.
ACCIDENTS & EMERGENCIES
Fire safety
There is a fire blanket located in the cupboard above and to the right of the hob
There is a small fire extinguisher located in the cupboard to the right of the oven
Fire poker, tongs and ash pan handle are all provided for the multi fuel stove
Please only use the metal bin in the garden to dispose of ash from the stove and the BBQ
Please only use metal cooking implements on the BBQ (not plastic or wood) and only use the BBQ on the stone patio (do not place it on the plastic tubs, wooden table or grass when in use or still hot, thanks). Feel free to use the BBQ offsite as well if it prevents you buying those really nasty, environmentally dreadful disposable ones. Adhere to any fire bans in force and use safely.
Smoke alarms are located on each floor (they are interlinked) and a heat alarm is located in the kitchen area - if the alarm goes off please check for fire and only if you are satisfied there is no fire, you can temporarily silence them by briefly pressing the central button of one. The alarms will automatically return to full sensitivity within 10 minutes.
There is a small fire extinguisher located in the cupboard to the right of the oven
Fire poker, tongs and ash pan handle are all provided for the multi fuel stove
Please only use the metal bin in the garden to dispose of ash from the stove and the BBQ
Please only use metal cooking implements on the BBQ (not plastic or wood) and only use the BBQ on the stone patio (do not place it on the plastic tubs, wooden table or grass when in use or still hot, thanks). Feel free to use the BBQ offsite as well if it prevents you buying those really nasty, environmentally dreadful disposable ones. Adhere to any fire bans in force and use safely.
Smoke alarms are located on each floor (they are interlinked) and a heat alarm is located in the kitchen area - if the alarm goes off please check for fire and only if you are satisfied there is no fire, you can temporarily silence them by briefly pressing the central button of one. The alarms will automatically return to full sensitivity within 10 minutes.
Breakages
Accidents happen - please let me know as soon as possible if it is something major and hopefully we will be able to get it fixed/ replaced quickly so that you can continue to enjoy your holiday.
If it is a small breakage e.g. a mug - either leave the broken item on the side or leave a note, thanks.
If it is a small breakage e.g. a mug - either leave the broken item on the side or leave a note, thanks.
Power cuts
Occasionally (usually only in very bad weather) we experience loss of power. There is a small gas camping stove and torches on the shelf under the stairs for times like this. Please make sure you know where they are just in case. There are torches in the bedside cabinets in case of loss of power at night.
Emergencies
Hopefully you won’t need any emergency services or care but just in case..
Community defibrillators are located:
Accident & Emergency units are available at:
Out of hours NHS 24 provides urgent health advice out of hours, generally 18.00-08.00. [t] 111
Emergency services; if you need an ambulance: [t] 999
Dentists:
Community defibrillators are located:
- Craobh Haven - on entrance wall at the Lord of the Isles
- Ardfern - on garage wall beside village Store
Accident & Emergency units are available at:
- Mid Argyll Community Hospital, Lochgilphead, PA31 8JZ
- Lorn and the Islands Hospital, Oban, PA34 4HH
Out of hours NHS 24 provides urgent health advice out of hours, generally 18.00-08.00. [t] 111
Emergency services; if you need an ambulance: [t] 999
Dentists:
- Lochgilphead Dental Clinic - Mid Argyll Community Hospital, Blarbuie Road, Lochgilphead, PA31 8JZ [t] 01546 462027
- My Dentist - Shore Street, Oban, PA34 4LQ [t] 01631 563006
- Oban Dental Care - 17 Lochside Street, Oban, PA34 4AT [t] 01631 562791
- Oban Dental Clinic - Lorn & Islands Hospital, Glengallan Road, Oban, PA34 4HH [t] 01631 788974
private water supply
Private water and sewage supplies
The cottage is on a private water supply fed by fresh rainwater from the local hills to a reservoir. From that reservoir the water is then filtered, treated and then stored for pressurised delivery to all Craobh Haven houses and businesses. The water quality is regularly tested by Argyll & Bute Council and you can request to see a copy of the reports at the Marina Office during office hours.
The sewage is also private and a septic tank - please keep this in mind and refrain from flushing anything that isn’t toilet paper or you haven't eaten first.
The sewage is also private and a septic tank - please keep this in mind and refrain from flushing anything that isn’t toilet paper or you haven't eaten first.
history & ethos
History and ethos
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I purchased Elder Cottage in January 2018 and it was already a holiday cottage. The Green was built in 1983 and I believe the cottage is called Elder Cottage after the first owner.
I have been slowly continuing with improvements to the cottage as well as ongoing maintenance.
I love the concept of simple design and minimalism. I’m also trying to balance my enthusiasm for ripping the place apart and running a financially sound business which is why I try and improve things incrementally and when the cottage is closed / has no bookings. |
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Essential oils at Elder Cottage
As a doTERRA wellness advocate I am passionate about essential oils - their uses and benefits.
One of the reasons I love doTERRA essential oils is that they are Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade. doTERRA is committed to providing pure, potent essential oils, working with a global network of farmers. All doTERRA essential oils are tested and free of contaminants.
There is a diffuser at Elder Cottage which acts as an air freshener and air purifier - many oils have anti bacterial properties as well as smelling lovely. Plug in air fresheners and most scented candles contain scent / fragrance / parfum - these contain a cocktail of chemicals and are often harmful (you can read more at here).
Please enjoy your free sample - I’d love to hear how you get on.
And please contact me if you would like to know more or purchase essential oils.
One of the reasons I love doTERRA essential oils is that they are Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade. doTERRA is committed to providing pure, potent essential oils, working with a global network of farmers. All doTERRA essential oils are tested and free of contaminants.
There is a diffuser at Elder Cottage which acts as an air freshener and air purifier - many oils have anti bacterial properties as well as smelling lovely. Plug in air fresheners and most scented candles contain scent / fragrance / parfum - these contain a cocktail of chemicals and are often harmful (you can read more at here).
Please enjoy your free sample - I’d love to hear how you get on.
And please contact me if you would like to know more or purchase essential oils.
Recipes
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Bathroom air freshener
Wild orange essential oil Eucalyptus essentail oil Siberian fir essential oil Sea salt Water |
Art at elder cottage
Art in Elder Cottage
With a passion for creating and art, I studied interior and environmental design at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Dundee 1987-1991. I love to pick up paintings, sculptures, prints on my travels and would love some day to have a budget dedicated to buying local art for the cottage at the wonderful Art Map open studios. In the meantime here's a bit more information about some of the art here - please note I sometimes swap pictures and pieces between my home and the cottage so not all will be here all of the time. Please enjoy and I encourage you to support local artists whenever you can - sharing their work on social media and of course buying originals, prints and postcards wherever possible. Please check out the Craignish Arts & Crafts Collective
Morna's Mosaics - I went to school with Morna and love her creations. contact her for commissions or to purchase one of her pieces.
Fraser Maciver - Fraser was a well known and well loved artist who lived in his colourful wagon on the banks of the Crinan Canal. He sadly passed away suddenly in 2019 but his wagon is still there for all to enjoy if you are walking along the canal. He was larger than life, ran local art classes, swam wild, laughed loudly and will be fondly remembered by all of us who were lucky enough to know him.
Helen Hampton - Helen makes jewellery and made the gorgeous daffodil at the front door. She and her husband Mark also run Craobh Haven Watersports.
Tyrii Pottery - Bill and I spend a lot of time on the beautiful island of Tiree and naturally have picked up quite a lot of their lovely pottery while there. The shower room here has one of their pieces.
Kerrien Grant - I love Kerrie's art and this will be one painting that travels between houses. I first met Kerrie when we both worked for Argyll & the Isles Enterprise. Kerrie now has her own social enterprise support consultancy.
Andy Spink - I met Andy when living in Glasgow in the 1990s and we shared many an excursion out in the wilds of Scotland. He now lives in Oban where he continues to run Hebridean Pursuits.
Martin Murphy - the embossed tree is one of Martin's wonderful creations. Martin lives in Kilmartin and is probably best known for being the creator of the amazing table, chairs and shelves at the Kilmartin Museum library.
Other local Craignish artists:
Kat Robertson
Colin Woolf
Lizzie Rose
Philip Price
Kathy Potter-Irwin
Lucy Jane Walsh
Carol Litster
Hannah Tofts
Hannah Boaden
Morna's Mosaics - I went to school with Morna and love her creations. contact her for commissions or to purchase one of her pieces.
Fraser Maciver - Fraser was a well known and well loved artist who lived in his colourful wagon on the banks of the Crinan Canal. He sadly passed away suddenly in 2019 but his wagon is still there for all to enjoy if you are walking along the canal. He was larger than life, ran local art classes, swam wild, laughed loudly and will be fondly remembered by all of us who were lucky enough to know him.
Helen Hampton - Helen makes jewellery and made the gorgeous daffodil at the front door. She and her husband Mark also run Craobh Haven Watersports.
Tyrii Pottery - Bill and I spend a lot of time on the beautiful island of Tiree and naturally have picked up quite a lot of their lovely pottery while there. The shower room here has one of their pieces.
Kerrien Grant - I love Kerrie's art and this will be one painting that travels between houses. I first met Kerrie when we both worked for Argyll & the Isles Enterprise. Kerrie now has her own social enterprise support consultancy.
Andy Spink - I met Andy when living in Glasgow in the 1990s and we shared many an excursion out in the wilds of Scotland. He now lives in Oban where he continues to run Hebridean Pursuits.
Martin Murphy - the embossed tree is one of Martin's wonderful creations. Martin lives in Kilmartin and is probably best known for being the creator of the amazing table, chairs and shelves at the Kilmartin Museum library.
Other local Craignish artists:
Kat Robertson
Colin Woolf
Lizzie Rose
Philip Price
Kathy Potter-Irwin
Lucy Jane Walsh
Carol Litster
Hannah Tofts
Hannah Boaden
Plants at Elder Cottage
Plants at Elder Cottage
As a gardener's daughter and a permaculturist, I love plants, growing food and experimenting with creating a relaxing outside space for guests to enjoy - the patio at the back of the cottage is a lovely sun trap.
Elder Cottage garden already benefits from reasonably mature scot's pine and birch trees and a gorgeous acer just outside the kitchen window. I have now planted an elder (Elder Cottage finally has its own elder tree, yay), a rowan, a cobnut and a witch hazel. Other plants in the garden include a range of ornamental juniper, pieris, hostas and several varieties of primula. I love forest gardening - building on wild edges for diversity and productivity - supporting the soil, the birds, insects, other animals and us.
I'm beginning to plant a soft fruit hedge - guests enjoy a jar of homemade currant jelly as part of their welcome gift and I've been taking cuttings from my fruit bushes to create a hedge. The blackcurrant cuttings are coming on well and I plan on adding red and white currants and possibly jostaberries and blueberries in due course. Hopefully the fruits can be enjoyed by those who are here at the right time.
I've been adding some herbs and edible perennials - there are chives and nasturtiums in a pot - did you know you can add the leaves and flowers of both plants to your salads? There is a pot of black peppermint - great in salads, with your boiled potatoes or in hot water as a peppermint tea. I've planted some thyme, wild garlic, garlic chives, babington's leeks and tree onions which can be harvested at various times of the year.
Other plants with culinary, herbal or medicinal properties that you can find in / around the garden include lady's mantle, plantain, nettles, dandelions, self heal, buttercup, red clover, evening primrose and sorrel.
Please enjoy, please be sure that you are confident in what you are picking (I have labelled some of the herbs) and please always pick considerately and leave plenty for the plant so it can keep growing and produce more for you and others - in line with foraging guidelines.
Elder Cottage garden already benefits from reasonably mature scot's pine and birch trees and a gorgeous acer just outside the kitchen window. I have now planted an elder (Elder Cottage finally has its own elder tree, yay), a rowan, a cobnut and a witch hazel. Other plants in the garden include a range of ornamental juniper, pieris, hostas and several varieties of primula. I love forest gardening - building on wild edges for diversity and productivity - supporting the soil, the birds, insects, other animals and us.
I'm beginning to plant a soft fruit hedge - guests enjoy a jar of homemade currant jelly as part of their welcome gift and I've been taking cuttings from my fruit bushes to create a hedge. The blackcurrant cuttings are coming on well and I plan on adding red and white currants and possibly jostaberries and blueberries in due course. Hopefully the fruits can be enjoyed by those who are here at the right time.
I've been adding some herbs and edible perennials - there are chives and nasturtiums in a pot - did you know you can add the leaves and flowers of both plants to your salads? There is a pot of black peppermint - great in salads, with your boiled potatoes or in hot water as a peppermint tea. I've planted some thyme, wild garlic, garlic chives, babington's leeks and tree onions which can be harvested at various times of the year.
Other plants with culinary, herbal or medicinal properties that you can find in / around the garden include lady's mantle, plantain, nettles, dandelions, self heal, buttercup, red clover, evening primrose and sorrel.
Please enjoy, please be sure that you are confident in what you are picking (I have labelled some of the herbs) and please always pick considerately and leave plenty for the plant so it can keep growing and produce more for you and others - in line with foraging guidelines.