The Craftiest Workshop

In the spring, when the Saskatoon bushes flowered, I could tell that there would be a lot of berries this year. Last summer, with only two days of rain, the berries that grew were quite small and not as plentiful. The berries last year were also ripe about a month later than this year. This year, with multiple downpours and lots of heat, I am struggling to keep up with the picking. Some of the berries are the size of small grapes.

I have discovered that certain bushes are more plentiful than others. We have a couple of those right in our yard, another near the creek entrance and one more on the edge of the canola field to the south. All four of these spots also had berries last year.

I decided to explore a bit farther into the bush to see if I could find some other Saskatoon bushes. When the berries are red or purple it is easier to find them than it is looking in the fall. These berries seem to like to grow best just inside the tree line where they get some sun but also shade for part of the day. I discovered many new spots to pick berries. My walk around picking pattern is taking roughly 2.5 hours now and I end up with a 5L bucket…7 large ziplocks in the freezer so far.

I was pleasantly surprised how much better the Saskatoon bushes produced after cleaning up the deadfall and Thomas cutting down some dead standing trees just behind our garden shed. Those bushes got more light and had to fight less for water so they have lots of berries on them this year. I plan to tackle another area where there are bushes and clean up the deadfall. It makes picking much easier as well.

Last fall I used the brush cutter to cut down the growth on the edge of the creek. My plan was to have an area to walk above the waterline during the spring run off. While it served that purpose, it also rejuvenated the raspberry canes that were dormant along the entire creek. This week those raspberries starting producing berries.

I also discovered three other areas with wild raspberry plants. Overall the spots produce a tall yogurt container every couple days but I see that increasing with more of the flowers turning into berries. I just want enough to be able to make some raspberry jam…my favourite. The raspberry patches seem to be prevalent in areas with piled deadfall…they seem to like organic matter. Something to keep in mind for our raspberry patch in our garden.

Out picking in the early morning hours, I get to hear the birds singing up a storm. Some let me know that I am getting too close to their nest. Others just fly away when you get too near. I have also stumbled across a few Ruffed Grouse. They sound so much like a chicken and make a similar bawk bawk sound as they strut away.

Twice now in the last week I have woken up a deer sleeping in the trees. It always gets up quickly and moves away from me to escape. Looking at some of the berry branches, I can see that they too are enjoying them.

Out picking I also get to enjoy the random perennials that grow on our property and around our yard. From left to right: Blue Aster, Fireweed and Maltese Cross

Aside from the peace and quiet, there are so many other things to discover while berry picking.
There is bird watching, finding new berry picking spots, and seeing random beautiful flowers.