Our garden has a slightly different set of weeds from previous places we have been in. Some are very familiar, such as dandelion (Taraxacum officinale); others require me to do a bit of research to identify.

An example, which I identified this morning, is hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta). Even better than being able to put a name to it and having a better idea of its habits is confirmation that it is edible (thanks to Plants for a Future). I’ve washed and sampled a couple of leaves and flowers; spicy, hot and not dissimilar to cress — certainly no more bitter.

I will be working on reducing the amount of this plant in my garden but I don’t think I will aim to eradicate it entirely. Not only would that be a difficult battle, as it is obviously established in the area but rather than as an unwanted weed, I can also see it as a free salad plant that takes no particular care on my part to cultivate.