May, colour and a bit of plant wisdom

It was one of those brilliant chats that reminded me why I always enjoy Barbara with Herbs.

Barbara joined me in the studio as she does at the start of every month, and this time we were also joined by Ian James, breakfast presenter on the breakfast show, which always adds a bit of extra fun to the conversation. As ever, there was plenty of laughter, a bit of cheeky teasing, and loads of fascinating information from Barbara about the world of herbs, wellbeing and natural health.

A month of colour

Barbara’s big message this month was all about May and how it really is one of the most uplifting months of the year. She talked about how the garden, the hedgerows and the countryside suddenly burst into life, and how important it is to notice what’s around us instead of rushing past it all.

That idea of slowing down came up a few times, and it really stuck with me. Barbara made the point that so many of us spend our lives looking straight ahead, in a hurry, and miss the colour and variety growing right under our noses.

The power of plants

We also got onto the subject of colour, which Barbara is very passionate about. She brought in some beautiful plants and flowers, including red campion (as seen on the header image on this article), lily of the valley, Solomon’s seal and hawthorn blossom, and each one sparked another story.

Barbara explained how colour can lift your mood, how people often settle into wearing the same shades without thinking about it, and how nature is full of examples of colour doing exactly what it should do — brighten things up. Ian, naturally, had plenty to say as well, and there was a nice back-and-forth between the three of us throughout.

Old knowledge, still relevant

One of the most interesting parts of the chat was Barbara’s explanation that many of the plants we see in hedgerows and gardens have long been used in traditional medicine.

She spoke about how herbs were once the original medicine, and how people used to be taught at home by older generations which plants were useful, which were safe, and which had practical uses beyond just looking pretty. It was a reminder that a lot of the knowledge we’ve lost over time was once completely normal and shared as part of everyday life.

Barbara also talked about the importance of education and caution when it comes to plants.

Some of the flowers she mentioned are beautiful but poisonous if handled incorrectly or used without proper knowledge, so she was clear that herbalism is something that should always be approached properly and respectfully. That led us into a wider conversation about self-sufficiency, first aid, and how people often don’t know what to do when something minor suddenly happens at home.

Hawthorn and wellbeing

Another highlight was Barbara’s love of hawthorn. She described it as a boundary plant, both physically and emotionally, and explained how it has been used for centuries for heart and circulation support.

She also shared how hawthorn is often called May blossom, and how the old saying “Ne’er cast a clout till May be out” refers to the flowering of the hawthorn, not the month of May itself finishing.

That sort of detail is exactly why these chats are so enjoyable — you always come away having learned something new.

The Herb Society

We also touched on the work of the Herb Society, which Barbara chairs, and the importance of keeping herbal knowledge alive. She explained that the society is not just about medicinal herbs, but about every aspect of herbs, and that a new website is due to launch on May 11, making it easier for people to learn more and get involved. It was a proud moment for Barbara, and rightly so.

A proper Mix 56 chat

As ever, the conversation was lively, funny, and full of warmth. Barbara and Ian have such a natural chemistry, and our listeners clearly enjoy hearing them bounce off each other. For me, it was one of those interviews that starts with flowers and ends up covering wellbeing, history, home life, and the way we all move through the world.

A proper Mix 56 conversation, really.

Barbara with Herbs returns every month, and it’s always worth tuning in. There’s always something to learn, something to smile about, and usually a plant or two you’ll never look at the same way again.