Here We Go 'Round the Mulberry Tree

I've discovered that I have a Mulberry tree in my yard, and another on my property. I think mine is a non-native white mulberry, and possibly an invasive tree. But, It's a fruit tree, so it's not going anywhere. I'm actually very happy to have a Mulberry tree of my very own. It reminds me of home in the midwest. I used to call them raspberry trees as a kid. I remember the first time I saw one. I was going for a walk outside while visiting a friend who lived in an old house on the not so glamorous end of Washington St. in Oshkosh. We came apron what looked like lots of long raspberries on the side walk beneath a tree. I stopped, wanted to know where they came from. When we figured out it was from thee tree, I asked if we could eat them. My friend didn't think so, but I thought, since they looked like raspberries, they must be edible. So I ate them, but my friend was to afraid. I'm still alive and happy to be gathering up the raspberries dropped from my little friend in the corner of my yard.  Plus, it's not like the damn bradford pears and privet that really take over. I've decided, since I don't have any jam in the fridge, to make my own Mulberry jam. Why not? I love jam.

Mulberry Jam
Basic Recipe:
2 1/2 cups of Mulberries
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 tblspns water

Some recipes also call for lemon, pectin, and nutmeg.

Our First Peach Tree: Planted

Pants optional

Filling the Hummingbird Feeders

The previous owner left a few humming bird feeders in the trees and today I'm going to refill them. Here's an easy recipe and link from the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center:

Hummingbird Nectar Recipe
1 part sugar
4 parts water
bring to boil to kill any germs or bacteria
let cool and fill feeders
Red dye should NOT be added

Link:
Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center