Some 25 years ago I had the foresight to plant a Mulberry tree. Not just to plant one either but to plant one strategically in the right place namely on the route I normally take when going for a walk with my dogs, which is at least three times a day.
Now I am reaping the harvest of my good work. Every time we pass the tree we stop and search among the leaf for full ripe mulberries. They that are black as pitch and drop off into your hand at a touch are truly nectar of the gods. The dogs are as keen as me and pester me to share my booty with them, which I reluctantly do.
To me it is strange why so few people plant Mulberry trees in their gardens or on their walks. Unlike most fruit trees they have one enormous advantage they are true 'plant and forget' trees and have the added advantage of being beautiful to look at, having lovely leaves (dry them and -apparently -they make a very good tea) and, when old, produce a very valuable timber much prized by cabinet makers. Also -and this -for a lazy gardener like me - is the really good news- once they have 'got away' they need no pruning or watering or manuring they just grow and produce, in most years, this most luscious of fruits. forget raspberries, or strawberries or any other kind of 'berries' a black mulberry is the true king of 'berries.'
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Saturday 27 August 2016
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- Francis Fulford
- Francis Fulford is a writer, broadcaster and television personality. He lives at Great Fulford, a beautiful country estate in Devon that has been the home of the Fulford family since around 1190.
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Very well said, sir. I recently purchased your book Bearing Up: The Long View, and I must say it was an excellent read. You have perfectly articulated what I have felt about our countryside, indeed our country, for many years. Thank you for your regular blog.
ReplyDeleteConor! what a surprise! is Alistair Alansar from facebook. I've just discovered Mr. Fulford's blog! and what and extraordinary coincidence I see your name in the comments!
DeleteIt's not too surprising any conservative Englishman with a love for old country houses would stumble across Great Fulford estate and to this blog from the main page
Very well said, sir. My mother did the same, and for many years we had berries .I used to fertilize the Bush with ash from the wood stove, and it was thriving for many years. Now unfortunately it is gone ,after a cold vinter . i am waiting for it to pop upp again in another corner though . Hope to hear more about the land, and the walks and philosophy about Life . What you said about death beeing a great adventure , was nice ,. I am a bit nevrotic , and super worried about death and dying . Best wishes from Norway.
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