I failed to post anything last weekend. I realized Sunday night and Monday morning I went through the familiar routine of toast and news, medicines, and out to do a bit of work before the heat started. Oh well.
During the past two weeks my early ripening plum – Methley – has turned color and a few have fallen. I need to get them off the tree before a big wind comes.
In 2013, I ordered 5 varieties via mail-order for a total cost of $105.97. Today, they want about $85 per tree, some 10$ less, some 10$ more.
Last year, from a place in Yakima, I got four more plum trees when the place {Roots Nursery} had a half-price sale.
I have miss-identified this tree for years. I planted the 5 trees in a row, from early to late ripening. The late one was called Damson and after a few years I mentally switched it and the Methley. The Damson was least protected from the wind (and not well shaped). It split and died without ever bearing plums – at least I don’t recall a harvest.
I have now figured out from searches on the web that the tree in the photo is a Methley – ripens early and has red flesh. The Damson ripens late and has yellow-green flesh. Settled science. Saturday morning I cut a few branches from the tree and took them over to Megan’s for her and daughter Lindie to complete the picking.
The background tree in the above photo is a Shiro that produces bright yellow fruit. They will be ripe in a week.
Daily, I’ve been cutting limps from Hawthorn trees. Even though they have long sharp thorns, the deer clean off the leaves and the clusters of berries.
The fruit is high in Vitamin C and can be used to make jams, jellies, and even wine. In addition, the leaves can be used as an herbal tea. I have never heard of anyone using the plant in these ways. I suspect the natives did and maybe still do. I’ll have to ask.
All I know is the deer browse around the thorns if I provide the opportunity.
Keeping Track
On the Naneum Fan
John
Beautiful 😍