What better way to celebrate Summer Solstice than a garden full of vibrant herbs.  Thanks to my mom, our herb garden looks particularly lively this year.

While waiting for a client to come for her first appointment, I ran outside to take a few quick photos of these black elder flowers.  This would be the 3rd summer they have been in my backyard.  Hopefully, we will have more berries this year.  During its first summer with us, we had measly 4 berries.  Last year, M ate a small handful all by her self.

Because of their purple cut-leaves, most people mistake these Black Lace Elder for Japanese maple.  Aside form their leaf color and shape, these elders produce the same fragrant flowers and tasty berries as other Sambucus species.

Known for their potent medicinal qualities, Elder flowers tea are used to treat all kinds of upper respiratory infections.  It is safe for children and seniors.  Take 1 heaping teaspoon to make a mild tea to drink 3 times a day at the first sign of upper respiratory tract infection.  Consult a health practitioner if you have autoimmune condition.  Like pomegranate, blue berries, and other colorful fruits, elder berries are excellent antioxidants for the cardiovascular system.  As the name may suggest, if you use the elder plant regularly, you will live to a ripe old age.