The Black Mulberry tree in the paddock was laden with mulberries and we were expecting a heatwave. Some fruit trees tend to drop their fruit on such hot days and knew the berries would not be there much longer.
So on a hot summer morning we went berry picking. The berries were enormous and so sweet. I’m sure more berries made it into the children’s tummies than their buckets as I overheard them saying, ‘one for the bucket three for me,’ often.
It’s such a joy to share our childhood memories with the children and see them make memories of their own as they would eat the sweet fruit and share their pickings with siblings by throwing a few at them. By the time we left, we were all covered in mulberry juice from the tops of our heads to our toes.
At home, we washed the berries, froze some, made a berry crumble and ate some more.
We went back to observe the tree after the heatwave and we couldn’t find a ripe berry among them. We’re hoping for a second harvest as it did seem promising with tiny new berries forming.
Picking berries in the summer is a wonderful activity for children and adults alike. There are strawberry and blueberry farms where you’re invited to pick your own and it’s so much cheaper than buying them. We sometimes pick enough berries for the year and freeze them for pies, smoothies and salads.
The mulberry tree is also a great deciduous tree to observe through the seasons and offers opportunities to discuss seasons, life cycles and ecology with the children.
Do you pick berries in summer?
Hi! I’m Marie and I’ve been home educating for ten years. I’ve shared most of my life with my awesome husband. We live on the land with four of our children who enjoy helping dad and raising dogs, calves, ducks, goats and pigs. Two of our daughters have graduated so far and we’re blessed to be the grandparents of a precious granddaughter.I’m so blessed to have the opportunity to live this life with them and I’m counting each second as precious. In those rare moments when there’s time to breath and cappuccinos and chocolate are bliss, I love to read, walk and journal. Above all, I love my Saviour and exploring His exquisite creation brings me much joy.
