Juniperus communis belongs to the Cuppressaceae family and is a highly variable species, presenting several morphological and geographical varieties. Juniper is divided into at least two subspecies with frequent intermediates which can differ in habit from a low, spreading bush to a small columnar, single stemmed tree.

Depending upon the geographical variety, the bushy shrub attains a height between 1 and 3 metres (3-10 ft), and the columnar tree occasionally reaches a height of 10m (32 ft). The smaller prostrate form ‘horizontalis’ is native to north-east America and the taller variety ‘erecta’ is very common throughout Europe. Read more…

The humble lemon is arguably the most versatile of all the citrus fruits, being employed in a vast assortment of food, beverages, skincare, perfumery and toiletry products. In addition, the lemon contains the widest range of medicinal properties of all citrus fruits.

Surprising as it may sound, the precise origin of the lemon tree has never been established. Most experts propose it was Eastern India, with a minority of others suggesting it was upper Burma or China. Like many other citrus fruits, the lemon has been hybridised so many times throughout history that it seems unlikely we will ever establish its true provenance. Read more…