When we were toying with various names for the business and cabin, but one thing was clear – we wanted to stay true to our initial thoughts of having a Welsh namesake. And then it struck us the perfect inspiration: Erwain, Welsh for Meadowsweet. It encapsulated the essence of our surroundings – the delicate, frothy clusters of creamy-white flowers that adorned our meadows and was to be a prominent feature in the design in the Erwain Escapes logo.
In bloom from June through to September Guests can experience the wonder of Meadowsweet every morning when they wake up and gaze out over the window as they are greeted by the sight of these beautiful blossoms gently swaying in the breeze.
And for those who prefer a more immersive experience, our outdoor bath and alfresco decking offer the perfect setting to soak up the sights, sounds, and scents of nature as guests also walk through its pathways to the river, a sanctuary of relaxation and tranquillity.
Bee’s, butterflies, dragonflies and many invertebrate love it too and its a wonderful habitat for other wildlife. It’s delicate flower, dark green leaves are divided into pairs of leaflets and have silvery undersides, it’s a wonderful sight to be seen and can also be found in shades of delicate pink signify kindness, sentiment and purple representing dignity, heritage, and prosperity.
This gentle flower was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth 1 and desired it above all others in her chambers and can carry many other names as it can also be referred to as queen or pride of the meadow, meadow queen, lady of the meadow and meadsweet.
Once also known as bridewort, as it was strewn in churches for festivals and weddings, giving warmth to the floors and to overcome smells and often made into bridal garlands and adding the flower to a bridal bouquet was thought to bring joy and blessings to the bride! So it’s no wonder it is believed to attract love, peace, and happiness and this delicate flower was once used in love spells and potions.
In Welsh mythology, King Gwydion and his son Math created a woman out of oak blossom, broom, and meadowsweet and named her Blodeuwedd (“flower face”) and in Chaucer’s The Knight’s Tale it is known as meadwort and was one of the ingredients in a drink called “save”.
Meadowsweet, also holds incredible medicinal properties, not only contains the chemicals that are used to make aspirin but also serves as a traditional remedy for an acidic stomach. Its versatility doesn’t end there – the fresh root of this plant is often incorporated into homeopathic preparations, offering a natural and effective solution for relieving headaches…amazing ha!
But that’s not all! Foragers, in particular, have found delight in culinary uses and can be found in many recipes, adding a unique and delightful flavour to wine, beer, vinegars as the Druids did but it can even be a delightful when added to ice-cream. In fact, you can even make a refreshing and aromatic cordial, just like elderflower. So, if you’re seeking natural remedies or exploring the world of flavour, meadowsweet is an ingredient that holds immense potential, you just need to harvest it at the right time.
Whether reading a book, sipping a cup of tea, or simply taking in the panoramic views of the meadow, the cabin and it’s surrounding is a space where you can truly unwind and connect with nature any time of day!
Come join us and let the splendour of Erwain rejuvenate your senses.
