"Better than Vegas" I say!!
Monday, May 9, 2016
May Gifts
Continuing with the theme of giving, and gratefulness....a man with the kindest eyes came to visit on Tuesday. We met only once before, two years ago, after he contacted me about my quince posts here on blog. Realizing he lived nearby, an invite to visit his orchard was offered; the highlight for me was to visit his quince tree!
"Would you like a quince tree I grafted" he emailed not long ago...and also, by the way, "a small Chicago Fig". Quince trees are not readily available in the nurseries near where I live, so you can imagine my delight.. utter joy upon receiving two gifts of promise. May I introduce to you dear reader, the newly grafted and newly planted Portugal quince. Ta DA
It actually had two enormous blooms when delivered but these we removed. How I hope and pray it thrives. (clear direction has been offered on making this possible) At present, because we could still have a cold night, or a visiting nibbler, there is a steel cage around it and around that we place fleece. Will there be roasted quince in my future? I hope so!
As for the Fig....it's getting the in and out treatment, and will for a week or longer, until I am convinced it won't drop its leaves in the cold. But as a new fig mother, this is a learning experience. Chicago Fig, welcome to your new Canadian home.
Swollen buds are everywhere, anxious to feel the warm spring sun and rain. An Eastern Redbud species waits to be planted. Three new challenges for an old gardener like myself, wanting to TRY rather than not try.
The handsome Chestnut 'Briotii' is also about to unfurl it's leaves. Later, its red candles will glow.
"Better than Vegas" I say!!
"Better than Vegas" I say!!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
We were admiring the flowers on our quince tree at the plot yesterday it's full of flowers so hopefully lots of fruit again this year.
ReplyDeleteI hope so too Sue! I was amazed at their flower size. What do you do with the fruit? Thanks for commenting.
DeleteWe have used them in crumbles, flans and pies sometimes mixed with apple. We have had as an alternative to apple sauce with pork. Lots is stewed into a compote and frozen and then popped on top of morning porridge or eaten with yoghurt as a dessert.
DeleteI had one of my photos of a flower made into a canvas print and have it on my bedroom wall along with another of a wild rose - same plant family so appropriate. If you search my blog for quince you will find that I have posted about our tree,
Another couple of really great acquisitions. It's so nice to have generous friends! One of my friends gave me 8 chilli plants this week (as if I needed more of the things!).
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment Mark. I might have a question or two re chilli plants. First time lucky this year..and have about eight small plants germinated. but now what I say. Where do you grow yours, inside or outside? Brenda
DeleteSome wonderful gifts, I do hope that they will prosper! The smell of quince is so lovely. Sarah x
ReplyDeleteYes Sarah, the scent is divine!! My conserve is also enhanced by a small amount of orange blossom water. Am on my last jar! Thanks for your comment Sarah.
DeleteSuch wonderful gifts, and ones which will go on giving, I do like those type. The thing with quince is that it has such pretty blossom so it acts as an ornamental as well as providing fruit.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to see such a big flower on this tiny grafted baby tree. The friend who shares her bounty with us in the fall, well I have never been to her property when the tree was in bloom. The gift that goes on giving is special isn't it. Thanks Jo
DeleteI haven't developed a taste for Quince yet - perhaps it's time to try again! Fig, now, is another thing altogether and I want to include a Fig in the newly-bright back yard. In the meantime I have put out the word to friends and colleagues who may, eventually, experience a glut of figs - a bag of figs for a jar of fig jam.
ReplyDeleteI can share how I make my conserve which follows a Sarah Raven recipe pretty closely but I make it over two days as it is a bit of a bother to do it all at once, because of the canning. Now figs I do not know well so we are opposites on our anxiousness. How wonderful to live where a fig tree can be outside all year!! I am still unsure of the winter residence of the new fig. Thank you.
DeleteHow exciting! I purchased a couple of figs last year and they overwintered very well in our cool, dark cold cellar. Since they need to go dormant over the winter, it's a definitely win for us as we really don't have a good spot for plants that would need full sun. I'm still trying to figure that one out for *when* I get my lemon tree ;)
ReplyDeleteWhen you get your lemon tree Margaret ;) I will be envious. As for the fig, so far I can't find a place for it, except in our shed which is cold and dark but it would have to be insulated as it will get too cold here in nova scotia. So just not sure right now. Oh...but I do have good neighbours )))
DeleteOh love how kindness shows up when you don't expect it and what a gift. I had quince for the first time a couple of years back, its an acquired taste for sure, but I know for sure i would love roasted Quince, and figs - I like. As Jo said this is certainly a wonderful gift that keeps on giving. Hope it rewards you well.
ReplyDelete