Sea lavender

As you walk down the river, the sea lavender starts to grow just at the point you get the first whiff of sea air. On the muddy bank, there is also samphire growing. It is better to go right out on the salt marsh to pick it is any quantity and always to pick it when the shoots are young. It is often known as poor man's asparagus. I often chew a stem as I walk along but steamed with a little butter is the best. I also preserve it in vinegar.