Come walk with me in the peak Autumn beauty of the Northwoods. To say that I love this time of year is an understatement. Most everyone can appreciate the colorful falling leaves---it reveals the 'true self' of a tree when its leaves are no longer producing chlorophyll. Their true colors are revealed, and there is something simple … [Read More...]
The Season of Fruit
We are entering the season of fruit. A fruit is the ‘house’ for seeds of some plants. It is nourishment for those who harvest it. This part of the reproductive cycle takes time and energy for growth and ripening, so while the fruit protects the seed during development, it is the means of seed dispersal after maturation.
The Wild Rose is in the same family as apples and crabapples. After the flowers are successfully pollinated, the fruit begins to form at the base of the blossoms. These fruits are called rose hips and are a great source of Vitamin C. Rose hips can be made into tea, jelly, syrup, or soup, which is popular in Sweden. These hips will continue to ripen until they are bright red.
The crabapples and apples are also growing and ripening. When ripe, they are food sources for birds, deer, squirrels, and humans.
‘Prairie Fire’ crabapples
Wild plums are another fruit that provides food for wildlife and people. Turkeys, foxes, wolves, and black bears eat the fruit. Native Americans and early explorers and travelers utilized the plums for eating fresh, making sauce, or drying.
Fruits are associated with sweetness and nourishment. They contain the seeds–the essence of the plant. They take time and energy to mature and are often brilliantly colored. In this season of fruit, what fruits are you producing in your life?
Well, as usual, this is lovely! And the “season of fruit” is one of my most favorite times in the year. And, I look forward to the “fruit of learning something new” – thank you !
Thanks for reading and commenting, Lynda!
Nice work, need a sponser for your site ????????????
This is great. I learned some things and the pictures are especially wonderful. I haven’t picked wild plums since I was a child. Thank you for briefly taking me back in time.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Kay!