In Love with a Geranium

I love Geraniums which come in a wide and colourful variety. They are native to South africa but seem to love the Mediterranean sun.

This is my favourite which looks as though it has been hand painted.

As well as growing profusely and giving lots of pleasure that's not the end of it with Geraniums... their leaves can be used to make an infusion. The essential oil* can be used as a tonic, diuretic and it can also be used to remove blemishes on the skin.

There is a special variety called citronella geranium that can repel mosquitoes. And Geraniums in general are also called Cranesbill but I'll stick with Geranium...

* It takes around one tonne of leaves to produce 1kg of essential oil by the process of distillation.