Gorse -always loved it

Bill2015 · Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2015 11:41 am Post subject: Gorse -always loved it

Hi guys,

I have always loved gorse and its fabulous smell. I always had a small garden and it didn't make sense to plant it. I have a good deal of space now and would love to plant it. Problem now I hear it is illegal to plant it.

Can this be true?

Thanks,

Bill

Good guy · Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2015 12:42 pm Post subject:

As its a native wild plant, how would anyone know you had planted it? As its illegal to dig up wild plants, what could you do if one just happened to arrive in your garden?😉
It's a very versatile, tough plant with a lovely scent and it's always in bloom (the flowers make a very nice white wine). The insects love it, it looks good and well clipped, it makes a very secure hedge. What's not to like?

Sue Deacon · Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2015 2:27 pm Post subject:

Sorry Good Guy, but personally I think it's horrible. There is just something about that shade of yellow...... Mustard yellow .. That explains it I HATE mustard! Laughing

It is fine in the country and I like the saying 'kissing's out of fashion, when the gorse is not in bloom' (it flowers all year long).

And it so easily blows seeds into a garden..........! There is your answer.

Good guy · Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2015 6:59 pm Post subject:

I think it's a case of time and place - context is so important. Personally I like the colour, it's so cheerful. But then I like mustard, too!

Ado 2 · Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2015 9:32 pm Post subject:

The smell always reminds me of coconut. A friend of mine planted it as a shelter where she had an open bank . It's beautiful also in the fog when u see all the cobwebs on it.

Good guy · Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2015 9:48 pm Post subject:

Those cobwebs are beautiful on sunny dewy mornings.

Ado 2 · Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2015 9:52 pm Post subject:

I have been trying to put up a pic I took of those said cobwebs , so far no luck I will keep trying. There were biscuits we had as kids I think they were called Polo always reminds me of them when I smell gorse. Also flowers on gorse are used in dyes

Ado 2 · Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2015 9:59 pm Post subject:

LGorse

kindredspirit · Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2015 10:08 pm Post subject:

Don't like mustard.

Don't like yellow flowers, e.g. Dandelions, Daffodils, etc...........................................................but..........................love Gorse flowers. Smile

It's a fabulous shrub and makes a superb hedge. It's a national treasure.

Good guy · Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 12:06 am Post subject:

Superb photo, Ado2

Ado 2 · Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 8:39 am Post subject:

Thanks.... I like taking pictures and thanks for that app I am slowly getting the hang of it ! !

Gautama · Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2016 9:55 am Post subject:

Opinions on Ulex europaeus seem to to vary as much as the name. Descriptions of furze/gorse/whin remind me of wine tasting with disparate opinions on appearance and aroma (and taste?).
I'd describe the flowers as intense butter yellow rather than mustard. I find vanilla the prominent aroma though there are hints of coconut on the nose. As for the taste I haven't had the pleasure but I know that Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall has made something from it, possible a wine!

The road by my previous residence had furze growing in abundance on either side. The fragrance from the flowers was divine especially on a warm day.

I dunno how true it is to say it's illegal to transplant a wild plant. Cutting and burning of furze is widespread. I'd be surprised if transplanting is illegal too and if it is, I'd be more surprised if it was enforced.

I intend to plant a furze hedge in my garden. I took a number of cuttings last autumn and had 50% take, which I gather is a good strike rate. They had been slow to come on but have really come to life in the last month.
As well as that I've found plenty of young plants in a field that look perfect for transplanting and I hope to do that towards the end of the year.

An alternative is Genista hispanica (Spanish Gorse) which is widely available in garden centres. But it's just not as good!

Margo · Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2016 7:40 pm Post subject:

This is my broom at the moment. Its been gorgeous this year

Sue Deacon · Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2016 8:02 pm Post subject:

Bet that smells nice too.

Margo · Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2016 8:10 pm Post subject: