This year.
Last year in our bid to be more self sufficient we raided the hedgerows for Brambles in our every spare moment, but even then with our 'towny' ways, we knew to leave some for the birds and some for regeneration. We took what we needed and no more.
Last year - not a blackberry in sight.
This year we are reaping the rewards for our forethought. The hedgerows that were sparse or only lightly berried last year (which we left well-alone) are virtually throwing blackberries at us. There are so many we could go wild. But once again we always take care to leave some for the birds and insects that rely on this bounty of nature to see them through the Winter.
~
If we tread lightly on our journey through life we will always reap the benefits.
~
Sue xx
What a fantastic philosophy! Good things come to those who tread lightly - what goes around, comes around.
ReplyDeleteWise words. I live next door to Bramblefield Lane - guess what, no blackberries this year. Sure wish folk would take a leaf out of your book. Thanks for the chicken advice Sue.
ReplyDeleteJak x
Did you come across any web structures on your bushes with little caterpillers in them, I have a picture on my blog of one. I would love to know what they are.
ReplyDeleteBriony x
You've been repaid for your forethought!
ReplyDeleteNice sue. So true. We are all such 'consumers', we forget to leave something for somebody else. Good blog.
ReplyDeleteJim
Hello Sue, what a wonderful blog you have, you have inspired me to grow more vegetables in our small potager. I love your photo's and philosophy and will be back to read more of your older posts. Kind regards, Ann ~ Australia.
ReplyDeleteLovely to think of the birds eating the berries. ( then poop dark red staining poop on hubby's freshly scrubbed decks & gleaming white boats )
ReplyDeleteJess & I gathered enough for an apple & blackberry crumble last weekend. Lots of Sloes growing this year.
Oh you are so right! This reminds me of the Gandhi quote: "The earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed".
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder, Sue,
D x