Berries and crops
Juvenile woodpigeon, in foreground, and adult on pyracantha.
In July we noticed rowan berries ripening in the woods, and that seemed exceedingly early. Rowan berries normally start colouring up in late August.
I caught the tail end of a report on the radio, suggesting that autumn and particularly winter would be challenging times for wildlife this year. The long, hot, dry summer has led to trees losing their leaves prematurely, and unripe acorns and fir cones are also dropping. Nature’s larder may not be able to provide so readily for the little creatures that rely on it.
In the garden, the berries on the brambles have also ripened early. Most noticeable have been the pyracantha bushes. The red berries are already being greedily and speedily consumed by wood pigeons. The orange and yellow berries are always later to ripen, but it seems that they, too, will be earlier than usual this year.
Farmers are warning that some vegetables will be more expensive. A strange weather system has given heatwaves and, in some areas, record rainfall, which has resulted in sodden fields and poor yields. For example, broccoli production is down by 50%.
I suspect that many root vegetables will be in shorter supply than usual. Carrots have increased in price by more than 34% in two years, mainly due to flooded fields.
The answer is clear. If you have the energy and the determination, ‘growing your own’ is the route to follow.
I wish I could grow my own as I have done in the past. Many supermarket vegetables here are grown hydroponically in greenhouses, they can monitor the conditions and grow much more in smaller spaces. They look good, they have all the usual nutrients, but don't have the sweetness that comes from growing in good soil. Especially broccoli which is now too bitter and I won't buy it.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that the taste is so markedly different. Perhaps that will be adjusted with more research.
DeleteIt sure is. Ps. Your picture is beautiful.
ReplyDelete
DeleteIt's a global problem. Some regions have had appalling weather.
Our trees are under stress and show signs of turning early. It’s too bad since we usually have wonderful autumnal colour.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad to see.
DeleteI haven't grown any of our own produce but I expect we will.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to have homegrown fruit and vegetables, but can be a bit hit and miss.
DeleteGreat photo of the pigeon. I know carrots are over a $1 a pound.
ReplyDeleteIt seems all wrong that root vegetables should be so expensive.
DeleteI notice that the same thing is happening here Leaves are dropping turning color and it's too early.
ReplyDeleteIt's all wrong.
DeleteThe pigeons must be thrilled with pyracantha feasts, though! Growing your own definitely feels like the wisest step in times like these.
ReplyDeletehave a nice day
The birds eat the berries so quickly.
DeleteIt’s the trees that I always worry about! However, we had a very wet autumn/ winter here and that has helped..it’s also helped to keep our reservoirs over half full! Like you, I’ve noticed the blackberries all ripening early as well as the Rowan berries.
ReplyDeleteI just hope we don't have a hard winter. It would decimate the populations of little birds.
DeleteHi Janice - yes ... things are definitely happening much earlier this year - we'll need to protect what we can in the Autumn. Makes me think of 1962/3 icy year. Lots of plants and trees will die ... but the little creatures will need some help. It's worrying - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteThat was a cold winter. Generally, things seem to balance, but it is worrying.
DeleteOur oak tree has been dropping unripe acorns all over the garden and a few trees are looking a little yellow and droopy. We only have a tiny veg patch but we may have to think of an expansion plan that won't contravene the registered building restrictions.
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of people resort to containers to grow things, but there's an awful lot of watering to be done then.
DeleteOur pyracanths is orange and not as advanced as yours, we watch the birds in a huge bramble bush and next door elderberries having a feast. Everything is much earlier this summer.
ReplyDeleteIt all looks lovely, but what will happen in the winter?
DeleteEnergy, determination and space. Those without will just have to pay more but by reducing demand by growing your own should make for cheaper prices, in theory.
ReplyDeleteIn theory, yes . . .
DeleteThis is an important warning, Janice. We would usually have a couple of good summer rains here on the coast of Northern California, but none this year. Quite dry.
ReplyDeleteFloods in some areas, near drought in others - Nature is out of kilter.
DeleteEven growing your own can result in bad years and poor returns. Such a good summer but a shame it could mean a winter of destitution for wildlife.
ReplyDeleteThere are no guarantees when growing anything, unfortunately.
DeleteAh. Energy. Determination. Umm.
ReplyDeleteLOL!
DeleteI wish I had the ambition to grow my own garden. I've been hearing that our winter is going to be very cold and very snowy.
ReplyDeleteWe haven't had substantial snow for years.
DeleteIt sounds as if you're having a hot drought that we had last year. So far we've just had some very hot days with a little dryness. I love the picture of the doves. I wish I could grow my own vegetables but I need a 12 ft fence around everything and at this point in my life I'm just not up to it.
ReplyDeleteYour wild life is rather larger than most of ours so I understand your feelings.
DeleteWe grow a few things, herbs, peppers and tomatoes, but I'd like to do more next season.
ReplyDeleteThe idea appeals, but we never have success with tomatoes. Peppers, herbs, fruit are all okay.
DeleteOur garden is beginning to look very Autumnal, so makes me feel sad.
ReplyDeleteIt's too soon.
DeleteThis is a lot of berries and how wonderful that they are plentiful for the birds and animals. We have some friends that are produce growers and this is where I get most of my veggies.. No harsh chemicals...just field grown food..
ReplyDeleteThat sounds wonderful and so much better to eat.
Deleteour world is scary with all this wild weather and heat and cold that is worse than ever, and now add food supply and of course here I USA we have the big T to ruin our lives and maybe yours
ReplyDeleteThe Orange One is likely to have a detrimental effect on the whole world.
DeleteFor many years, we had an extensive vegetable garden but as we've both gotten older, we finally had to give that up. Now, I occasionally grow a few veggies, like tomatoes, in some of my flower beds, but most of our vegetables are now grown by others.
ReplyDeleteI think we always start too late and then wonder why our tomatoes don't ripen!
ReplyDeleteI would love to grow my own, but I'm in a 55+ bungalow and no space to grow anything and also I don't think they would like me digging up the lawn to plant cabbages. But my DIL has a wonderful veggie garden and gives me some of the produce when i visit.
ReplyDeleteWell, that's the next best thing!
ReplyDeleteI doubt we'll be growing our own but you never know if things become expensive enough. I have noticed earlier growth cycles on some plants this year.
ReplyDeleteI will watch and wait with interest . . .
DeleteIt is rewarding
ReplyDeleteIt is.
DeleteWhat a joy it has been to be back visiting you and reading your daily musings. There was a lot to get through so a hot drink and putting my feet up for a catch up has been a delight. 😊
ReplyDeleteThat is so generous of you to say, Beverley. I know I do ramble on a bit . . . In real life, I'm a listener!
DeleteI do like your photograph the pyracantha colour is lovely.
ReplyDeleteWith the weather we've been experiencing this year the leaves on the trees are already beginning to change colour, Autumn really is just around the corner! In fact perhaps it's here already?
All the best Jan
Sad to say, I think you're probably right.
DeleteWe do not have the ability to grow vegetables, so I hope the predictions are wrong.
ReplyDeleteMost people will cope, I suppose, no matter what. It's the neediest who are the most worrying.
DeleteThose red berries look gorgeous. My son is growing a garden, but other than lettuce and zucchini, he didn't get much of a crop - too much sun and too much rain and then no rain..
ReplyDeleteI love berries and we have lots of them around here. There are many blackberries along my walking route. :)I haven't grown anything for a long time (besides flowers) and don't have much room to do so, sadly.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking of getting an allotment once I've retired ...
ReplyDeleteThat said, I've noticed all kinds of berries ripening earlier than usual too. I don't think there'll be any blackberries left to pick when we're on our September holiday. xxx