Would your summer include learning about wild herbs, mountain biking, kayaking, or perhaps caring for fluffy sheep in Sumiaiset?

Did you ever pull a plantain leaf as a child and declare the puller a liar? Or did you know about lady’s mantle’s beauty-enhancing “beauty drop”? Do you remember what wood sorrel tastes like? Have you put a dandelion in water and seen the stem turn into an octopus? You can make treats from all of the above herbs in spring and summer!

Did you ever pull a plantain leaf as a child and declare the puller a liar? Or did you know about lady’s mantle’s beauty-enhancing “beauty drop”? Do you remember what wood sorrel tastes like? Have you put a dandelion in water and seen the stem turn into an octopus? You can make treats from all of the above herbs in spring and summer! 

We arrived in Sumiaiset, to a lovely rural setting crowned by a large apple tree in the yard. While the host was building a greenhouse, we course participants sat down under the apple tree to hear some theory.

The friendly Marja offers a wonderful opportunity to start—and, if needed, deepen—your knowledge of wild herbs. First, a little herbal brew made by the hostess and some stories about the herbs; now and then we head out to identify in the yard the very plants we’ve just learned about. 

This kind of course format is the best way to study edible herbs. You can certainly find numerous online courses on the subject, but not an expert who will guide you, hand in hand, to find and identify the right plants—even in your own yard. With edible wild herbs, a misjudgment can affect your health, and it’s good to know a few basics rather than rushing to taste everything you find in the garden.

The course offered flavors, memories, scents, nature, and lessons on how to use and make the most of wild herbs. You’ll get hooked and learn to love the “weeds” in your yard. 

After the course, the host dug brand-new mountain bikes out of the barn and said, ‘Shall we head to the shore?’ You can indeed rent bikes, and delivery to a location of your choice is also possible. Jukka also offers guided paddling trips, as the selection also includes rental kayaks.

And Jukka’s selection doesn’t end there—you can also order an authentic Lapland kota to the location you want, complete with setup and takedown.

By the shore you’ll find a kota, a glass pavilion, two lean-tos, a cabin, and a genuine smoke sauna. From the shore it’s a short trip to nearby Petäjäsaari, which is one of the most popular excursion spots in Sumiaiset.

As a first-timer, trying guided off-road cycling felt addictive right away—highly recommended!

Wild Herb Course

 Saturdays 30 May 2020 – 1 Aug 2020 10:00 – 12:00 (excluding 20 Jun 2020)

Register by email at kortema@hotmail.com. Please register no later than the Thursday before the course day.

Price 25 euros / person

Mountain Bike Tours

Have a nice and sunny rest of the week Sini and Pete