Monday, June 27, 2011

Berry Picking Season Approaches

The Wild Raspberries are coloring up and should be ready for picking this week.  They are about a week behind in their maturing this year according to my recent past experiences.

I really like being out in the timber gathering both Wild Raspberries and Gooseberries in the company of all the other timber residents.The birds singing, deer and squirrels scampering, a refreshing solitude while I am out and about on my own.

Ever wonder what the the difference between Wild Raspberries vs Wild Blackberries happen to be?

I found a video done by Wild Edibles at Youtube, video quality is a little jumpy at times, but the information puts the fruits and plants side by side to give a greater insight how to identify our seasonal sweets. It isn't uncommon for them to exist in close proximity.







The Mulberries have been falling for about a week now here at Timber Life...

Changing the trail camera location I have found three species of ground bound animals enjoying the delectable treats , not to mention our feathered friends that are counted among the feast attendees.

Some people see the mulberries only as animal food,but if you have ever tasted them at the mature stage, you would find them full of sweet juice. Picking them with uncovered hands leaves a stain that takes a couple days  to wash away. Messy!

Another method for collection to avoid handling the berries is to put a catch cloth under the tree and shake or tap the fruit off like our  friend Casey is doing over at Fungal Threads.


                                                        Trail Camera Pictures
A Doe often seen around the homestead

Double the vision..

Some young Raccoons getting a feel for life in the timber.


Here's wishing you good luck on harvesting some of Nature's sweet treats while they are in season ...

2 comments:

Marian Ann Love said...

Thanks for sharing CDGardens...it has been ages since I have picked berries. I remember doing it at a very young age somewhere. Forgot about the thorms tho. Enjoyed watching the video and was a good example. Really like your cam pictures and I know you are enjoying what shows up in your timbers! Have a fun summer and try to stay cool! :)

CDGardens said...

Marian Love Phillips - Thank you for stopping by. Yes, the thorns are no fun. Wild Gooseberries are really prickly but I have found a way to cope even without gloves.

It has been extremely sweet to see what has been caught on camera when I am not around to catch it first hand.

I'll try to stay cool, as long as you promise to do the same, my friend. :o)