Photo: Great grandparents at their farm in Blandinsville, IL, with five of their six children .. my grandpa was yet a twinkle in grandma's eye. Stable boy and governess also pictured. Hodges farm, circa 1903-4

Tuesday, May 13, 2008



Tutti Fruity One side our our front yard consists of a long dirt berm. This was mainly formed when the good topsoil was pushed aside at the time our lot was leveled prior to building. Area is quite fertile with rich humus and receives sunshine all day long. Said berm is approximately 100+ feet in length and probably 25 feet wide. In the hopes of growing more food at home, I have planted two apple trees and one sour cherry tree. The apples are dependent on each other for pollination ... and the cherry is self pollinating. This area also is planted with different types of berries: raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, etc. Hence, I've dubbed it "Fruit Cocktail Hill." I have two table grape vines to also plant but first need to make a trellis for support. My back patio has two strawberry pots each holding about 11 plants. Last year I transplanted some wild strawberries amongst the rock retaining wall and now have large wild berry plants ... wild strawberries are very strong in flavor but are rather small ... delicious none the less.

7 comments:

Felisol said...

Dear Mrs. Mac,
have you got green fingers or what?
Our cherry tree is flowing over with blossoms, but not a single berry.
Our single apple tree had eight fruits on it last year, small and sour, even being fertilized and even sung for.
The raspberries and blackberries are doing just fine with no further attention, but our blueberry bushes were robbed over night by Iberia snails. That's why I want to import or kidnap a pair of hedge-hogs. They are said to be the only natural enemy of the big brown slimy garden wreckers.
I guess I have to plant strawberries in pots high up on the wall. They are by far my favorites.
God bless to all the Macs in all continents
from Felisol

Felisol said...

Dear Mrs. Mac.
I took the liberty of searching in an English herb site, Here's what I found about Dandelion.
" Botanical Name: Taraxacum officinale

Common Name: Dandelion

Parts Use: Root or leaf

System Effected: Liver, spleen, stomach, kidney, bladder

Properties: Diuretic, hepatic, cholagogue, anti-rheumatic, laxative, tonic, bitter.

Used For: Dandelion leaf is a very powerful diuretic, its action comparable to that of the drug Frusemide. The usual effect of a drug stimulating the kidney function is a loss of vital potassium from the body, which aggravates any cardio-vascular problem present. With Dandelion, however, we have one of the best natural sources of potassium. It thus makes an ideally balanced diuretic that may be used safely wherever such an action is needed, including in cases of water retention due to heart problems. As a hepatic & cholagogue Dandelion root may be used in inflammation and congestion of liver and gall-bladder. "
Dandelion is also other places mentioned as a cleanser of the blood, e.g. after taking heavy medications or infections.
Gunnar has both urine acid arthritis and lots and lots of allergies. he has also twice been hospitalized with bleeding stomach ulcer, and cannot be prescribed ordinary arthritis medication because of that. The Dandelion and also extract from Goutweed, whose botanic name is Goutweed
Aegopodium podagraria L.,are most efficient, both as juice,in salads, in bath water or as compress on aching joints.
Best thing is no side effect and lots of vitamins and minerals as well. (AND a more tidy garden.)
Now, backside.. they don't taste that well, but neither does medicine. A spoonful of honey will help.
Yours Feliosl

Margie said...

you're so lucky!!

Deborah said...

Hello, I found you through Terry's blog, and thought I'd stop by. I was scrolling through your pictures, and what a beautiful home you have!
Nice 'meeting' you!

Renae said...

Hi Mrs. Mac! I found you through Felisol's blog. (Isn't she great?)I live in Texas, and have two apple trees in my front yard. They were here when we moved in 2 years ago, and produce small, bitter apples. But they are fun for my kids to pick, and make nice pies.

Your home is beautiful! We are doing some remodeling, and I enjoyed looking at your pictures. I especially like your bathtub, but my hubby can't live without his shower, so we'll probably go with a standard tub/shower. :-(

Blessings to you as you finish up your house.

Renae
www.renaebrumbaugh.com

Pat said...

Who are you and do you ever rest?
I admire you beyond words.

Lila Rostenberg said...

I came by from Felisol's blog. I hope your fruit trees and vines flourish! They should!
Your decorating earlied this year looks lovely! We are still trying to get some drpaes hung this weekend! (And Valsper paint is on sale at Lowe's...just need to choose my color!)