Known as Elderflower Cordial in Europe and Elderflower Syrup in the US, it is fragrant, refreshing, easy to make and comes from the elder shrub found in the wild almost everywhere. And in Germany it is used for everything from a topping for ice cream to a 'cure' for arthritis.

It began over 250 years ago as trees planted to help travelers find their way, Germany's Avenues Route, the tree lined Deutsche Alleenstrasse. A journey through nature and history down shaded tunnels formed by ancient trees, witnesses to travelers from oxen carts to the present day.

Hitlerland - American Eyewitnesses to the Nazi Rise to Power, by former Newsweek staffer Andrew Nagorski, is an insight on 'interwar' life in Germany, from the view point of American journalists and socialites who lived there. Many were initially impressed when the Nazis took over.

Strammer Max has been one of Germany's most popular 'anytime' meals for generations. Delicious and simple to put together it's an open faced sandwich combination with regional variations, here are the recipes and all of them are worth trying.

Asparagus with Orange and Lime Hollandaise Sauce and Schwabian Asparagus Soup with Pancake. Two delicious German recipes for Spargelzeit, Germany's White Asparagus Season.

Sweet Woodruff is the scent of Spring, and added to White Wine it becomes May Punch, Maibowle, a popular May time drink in Germany, joining May Day and all the other traditional festivities and customs. Its season is brief but perfect for those first warm spring evenings.