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![\"\"](\"http:\/\/rocknponderosa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Methley-Plums-Aug-2025.png\")
\n 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.
\nLast year, from a place in Yakima, I got four more plum trees when the place {Roots Nursery} had a half-price sale.
\nI 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 \u2013 at least I don’t recall a harvest.
\nI have now figured out from searches on the web that the tree in the photo is a Methley \u2013 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.
\nThe background tree in the above photo is a Shiro that produces bright yellow fruit. They will be ripe in a week.
\nDaily, 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.
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![\"\"](\"http:\/\/rocknponderosa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Hawthorn-fruit-and-thorn.png\")
\nThe 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.
\nAll I know is the deer browse around the thorns if I provide the opportunity.<\/p>\n