Fall is creeping into the North Woods. Our garden has only had one light frost .. just enough to wipe out the cucumber plants and damage the basil. We've still got young lettuce plants, green onions, tomatillos, herbs, strawberries, raspberries and tomatoes clinging to the vine.
Our first crop of grapes gave us juicy sweet globes of goodness. Black currents and a mix of berries were turned into juice concentrate to enjoy this winter with a splash of sparkling water. Two half gallons of sour cherries are soaking in brandy, sugar and vanilla beans making a wonderful 'Cherry Bounce' liquor for winter ailments, and for sipping around the wood stove on cold, snowy nights. I've been checking on it quite regularly .. ahem!
Apples were halfway harvested in late September and have been eaten, turned into apple pie, sauced ... with the remaining half of the crop still clinging to the trees turning sweeter and juicier with each passing autumn day. Soon they will all be picked and some stored away for winter. Our local wild turkeys enjoyed the bottom limbs of the trees eating leaves and fruit. We did not spray or treat the trees this year .. and not one apple maggot or scab has been found! 
Question to any of you that grow horseradish: "Our's is hot for only one or two minutes after grating fresh. Any tips for keeping the heat would be appreciated."
The compost bin is squirming with earth worms ..
Wasps were not a nuisance this year.
Summer is a wrap ... onward into Autumn splendor!
2 comments:
I've never heard of Cherry Bounce, but boy does that sound wonderful! Still haven't harvested cherries here, but maybe next year!
Wow, you grew grapes?! They look really good too. So thankful for fewer wasps this year. Happy Fall!
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