TANSY is an aromatic plant with solid yellow flowers and grows around our riverbanks. It was once grown in gardens because of its medical uses.

The shape of the flower resembles a human navel and was used to prevent miscarriages in women or to cure stomach ache. There is no evidence to prove that it worked, but the smell of the crushed flowers and leaves is still thought to work as an insect and mouse repellent.

Indeed, I once carried tansy when I was being bothered by midges in Scotland and it did seem to work.