Did you know you can make laundry detergent from ivy? Explore the history of washing with plants, the natural chemistry of saponins and how to turn a handful of English ivy leaves into a simple botanical laundry liquid, inspired by Nancy Birtwhistle's recipe.

Fresh thyme, apple cider vinegar and raw honey become one of the simplest additions to the autumn home apothecary. Here’s how I make thyme oxymel, why thyme has traditionally been used for chesty coughs, and what the evidence actually tells us.

What does a useful home apothecary actually contain? Come and look inside mine as we gather, make and formulate our way into autumn - from elderberry syrup and fire cider to thyme oxymel, throat pastilles, an aromatic chest balm and respiratory inhaler.

Hay fever hasn't necessarily finished when the grasses fade. Let's make a simple late-summer aromatherapy inhaler - exploring eucalyptus, Ravintsara, peppermint and lavender, what the research actually tells us, and three beautifully simple blends for your home apothecary.

Fire cider is a fiery herbal vinegar made with apple cider vinegar, pungent roots, herbs and spices, then balanced with honey. Discover its fascinating folk-herbal history, what each ingredient brings to the jar and how to make - and actually use - my aromatic fire cider at home.

Elderberries always feel like one of the first little nudges towards autumn for me - even when I'm still very much holding onto summer. They sit beautifully between food and medicine, summer abundance and autumn preparation. Gathering them gives me a small job to do now that helps me begin imagining and preparing for the season ahead, without needing to hurry summer out of the door. They're unusually early here in the UK this year, so rather than rushing to turn them into syr

Mugwort has been carried by travellers, worn for protection, used before sleep and, eventually, associated with dreams. I followed its fascinating story from hedgerow to home apothecary - and made a modern mugwort dream balm along the way.

Make your own outdoor lotion bar with essential oils using a simple blend of shea butter, beeswax and sweet almond oil. This nourishing, travel-friendly recipe is a practical alternative to sprays and is perfect for camping trips, summer holidays and evenings in the garden.

Learn how to make lavender infused honey using dried lavender and raw honey. This simple home apothecary recipe captures the gentle floral flavour of summer, with tips on choosing the right lavender, selecting a good honey and delicious ways to enjoy your finished infusion.

Looking for simple ways to get children outdoors this summer? Discover 25 nature-inspired activities for the holidays, from growing sunflowers and making botanical art to butterfly walks, scent hunts and blackberry picking. Plus, download the free 40-page Summer Apothecary Challenge.