Homebodies - Saskatoons...

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Published on Sunday, July 17, 2016

By Rita Friesen

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Some of the bushes growing in the garden were planted on this yard over twenty years ago. Chris and Ken had them nicely growing when Ed bought the place from them. I didn’t like where they were, so I moved them. Twice. Their growth has been considerable. Another variety was given to us when our daughter worked at the Saskatoon farm in Saskatoon. I tried them in more than one location before they took root. Now, on the south edge of the garden, is an impressive stand of berry bushes. This spring, we had a late frost and I was certain that heavy blossoms would be rendered sterile. Quite the opposite occurred. Every blossom took and I have watched with amazement as fruit matured and the branches began to bend under the weight of the developing crop. 

I am reluctant to share the berries with the birds. Any creature bigger than that will win, but with the birds, I have a fighting chance. A few years ago, I purchased a netted tent to encase the big bush. The wind won that round, thankfully after the majority of the harvest was safely gathered. Last year, I found another net tent, and, corner to corner, it protected the bearing berry bush. This year, the bush was ever so much wider and taller the tent would not fit. And to purchase another, larger one – well, I could buy a mess of berries for that price. So this year I used the tent to cover the newer bushes. No poles, the firm shape allows for wind lifts. A couple of pegs and a bit of rope. Covers most of them. Wondering how to protect the rest of the crop, I wandered the yard and out buildings. There, crumpled in a dejected heap, was the netting that once sheltered a patio table set. Eureka! No poles needed, just drape the mesh over the plants and anchor the edges with a couple of rocks. Perfect! 

And berries there were! Two plants in the middle were uncovered so I gleaned them regularly. The shrouds on either side did deter the birds, so there was minor crop loss. I am sorely lacking motivation some days, so when the pick needed to be done, I called in help. One of my friends enjoys berry picking and even after supplying his household and sharing with others, he came and helped me pick. The big bush has smaller, tastier berries, and picking from the young ones was delightful. Actually stripping hands full of fruit into the bucket. Fast picking. After an hour we each had filled an ice cream pail, the day was hot, my energy spent. It was enough.

I recovered the small bush, I want more easy picking, but have left the tall bush open. So to those who wonder why there were tent like shrouds in my garden – I don’t do well at sharing my saskatoons with the birds until I have my full portion.