A friend recently mentioned how cool it would be to make a map of local public fruit trees. You know, the cherry tree planted on public land, or the mulberry in the alley. I love this idea!
There is a huge mulberry tree in our alley. Thomas and I have been stopping by to nibble low-hanging berries. The day I stopped by with a pint container though, I found that the big branch was newly shorn off, likely by the power company. After yesterday's storm, I think I am glad. I know of a cherry tree planted in the strip between sidewalk and road, which gives abundant and tasty fruit. Thomas and I both have our eyes on a fig tree planted very close to the sidewalk. I'd really like to try to root a cutting from it, but I don't know if I am that brave. It's in front of a law office, after all. Today during our post-dinner, pre-bedtime romp around the park, we found that our "secret" blackberry patch is already producing. I'll be visiting it with a basket next week.
The blackberry patch is right at the edge of a public playground, yet no one seems to raid it, other than the birds and me. Last year, Thomas and I were there with a few friends. We found the blackberries and were happily picking and eating when a few other kids arrived with their grandmother. They wanted to join in on the fun, but the grandmother wouldn't let them. The oldest child, a girl going through that "helpful" phase in which she felt compelled to let us know what's what, let us know that there could be bugs on the berries. It's a dangerous world!
I wish I had a picture of Thomas picking berries, or of the fig tree, or pretty much anything, but the camera we got as a wedding present seven years ago has given up the ghost. We're saving for a new, better camera. Sad to think of all we are missing in the meantime.
Do you pick public fruit? Have any good spots to share?
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3 comments:
Oh, Cate! How sad about the camera. I am guessing you are all sorts of against disposable cameras, and a quick Googling doesn't tell me much about green disposables.
Do you want to use my purse Nikon for a while? It's good for those emergency shots while one is out and about. It can't take many pictures with flash as the battery is aging. Still, you can get more than several between charges if you shut off the flash. I've been wanting to send T. some party favors anyway, and I could put in the Nikon and charger.
I can't think of any edible fruit trees I've spotted around here, on public or private property, save perhaps for a few crabapples and a chokecherry I saw at the city gardens. (Ruth may have plucked and eaten one when she was very small, so I spent a lot of time Googling 'em. Apparently they are edible, and can be made into wine and jam.)
I wonder if this is because our planting zone is a few levels harsher than your area, or because the neighborhood we walk and examine was laid out more recently. There may be fruit trees in the more historic parts of town.
-SECP
You are so thoughtful! I don't want to take your purse Nikon away from you, because you have gotten some great shots (those peonies!) and you never know when the moment might strike.
I found some film (!) for my old Elf camera, and just need a battery. I think we can manage with that for a few months.
You wouldn't think a chokecherry would be edible, would you?
I've been wanting to shoot a roll of film for old time's sake -- and to see if I can discipline my eye and patience to get good shots with those 24 chances. Anyway, my thought was that photos of rapidly growing T. are more important than me maybe or maybe not taking pictures of grocery store moments or flowers, which will be back next year. Let me know if you change your mind. But the Elf should be a fun experiment.
-SECP
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