Wild Garlic season
It is Wild Garlic season and it smells amazing, if you've ever wandered through a damp, shady forest and caught a whiff of that fresh, garlicky aroma, you have found Wild Garlic!
Wild garlic is also known as ramsons, it is easy to spot in the spring months, usually from March to June. It thrives in damp woodlands, riverbanks, and shady hedgerows, often growing in dense, lush patches. Look for broad, spear-shaped leaves that are vibrant green and slightly glossy.
A strong garlic smell – crush a leaf between your fingers, and you’ll instantly know if you’ve found the right plant.
Delicate white star-shaped flowers that bloom from April onwards in small moon shaped clusters.
Basket of Wild Garlic
Be careful not to mistake wild garlic for Lily of the Valley, which looks similar but is toxic. The best way to tell them apart is by the smell—wild garlic has a strong onion-garlic scent, whereas Lily of the Valley has none.
Lily of the Valley
Just like regular garlic, wild garlic is a powerful natural remedy. It’s packed with vitamins A and C, minerals like iron and magnesium, and has been used for centuries to support health. It is known to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease. It has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, making it great for fighting off colds and infections.
Which makes it perfect for this time of year, eat it in soups, make pesto with it, or add to salads, it is the leaves, flowers, and stems that you use, do not dig up the bulbs.
Always forage responsibly—only take what you need, never uproot plants, and be mindful of wildlife. Wild garlic is common, but it plays an important role in woodland ecosystems, so leave plenty behind for nature. And only eat it if you are totally sure of what it is!
Aren’t the flowers beautiful
Wild garlic has been valued for centuries, not just as food, but for its magical and medicinal properties. The Celts and Saxons used it for its protective qualities, believing it could ward off evil spirits and disease. Some even planted it around homes and livestock pens to keep away pests and illness. In folklore, wild garlic was considered a witch’s herb, often used in spells for protection and strength. There are old tales of it being woven into charms or carried by travellers for safety on long journeys.
Will you be on the lookout for it this Spring?
