Blackberry Bounty

I knew I had blueberry bushes on the property here, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a wealth of blackberry bushes on the border of the lawn.  I found some early black raspberries, but the blackberries took a long time to ripen.  The blueberry crop was a bit disappointing, but I think it was due to the lack of rain.  Plus, many of the bushes are in deeper shade.  But, the blackberries have produced, and then some!

However, sometimes you have to try to get past this:

You've got to click on this picture to get the full effect!

I've been picking everyday with the plan of turning it all into blackberry jam to have for the winter.  Might have to sneak in a blackberry crisp as well!

I'm averaging about two cups per day.  I like to go out early in the morning, while it's still cool.  It's become the best part of my day...despite the nasty gatekeeper and the scratches I'm getting from the thorns! 

I bought my first shrub for the yard.  It's a butterfly bush with deep purple flowers.  I started to dig a hole and plant it, only to discover that underneath a mere three inches of topsoil, I have loads of sand.  So, I picked up some bags of compost to add to the soil.  I'll have to go slow with the gardening, beefing up the soil in the beds as I go.  Makes me long for chickens even more!  ~Grin~