We have quite a large Mulberry Tree in our house yard. There are a few bantams that live under there. They love it . It is a deciduous tree so in winter the sun shines in and the hens are nice and warm. In spring the tree quickly grows leaves and provides some shade for those hotter days. When the fruit starts to mature the branches get very heavy and hang down to the ground so that on really hot days the hens are really well protected form the heat.
And when the fruit is mature we are harvesting everyday.....
and there's still plenty that fall to the ground for the hens, ducks and geese.
I've been freezing them, making syrup, and baking with them...
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| mulberry muffins |
On Monday we start our Permaculture Design Course. It runs for 12 days straight with participants staying here for that time. It is very intensive and I may not get the chance to Blog. I apologise to you all in advance and look forward to catching up in a few weeks.
I will miss hearing what you're up to, but completely understand! The PDC I did here in Victoria was full on and completely exhausting. Good luck and keep up the good work! Love the Mulberry!
ReplyDeleteAll the best with the PDC. I know someone booked in and she will love it! You will both be very busy - they don't call them intensive for nothing!! xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a mulberry harvest! We have a smaller tree and just get enough for our breakfast topping each day. We've planted a while mulberry in the chicken run and they'll be enjoying that soon no doubt. Good luck with the PDC
ReplyDeleteOh my - what a harvest. Have a wonderful time doing your course. xxx
ReplyDeleteI don't know how I missed this post...I adore mulberries! Last year was the first year I had ever had one..so glad I didn't go through my whole life without knowing these! I made quarts and quarts of jam. It now only comes out on 'special' occations! xx
ReplyDeleteI love mulberries - just bought a white one. I'm a bit wary about putting it in the ground because I've been told they are HUGE trees. How big has yours grown? The lady I bought it from said hers is 9m tall (and just as wide). I think I can cope with that but if it's any bigger I'd be in trouble... I'm glad to hear that the branches droop because I don't know how I'd harvest if the fruit are 9m off the ground!
ReplyDeleteI've just planted a mulberry tree that I grew from a cutting. Will be fun to watch it grow! sounds like it may get huge - could be some serious pruning required!
ReplyDeleteAs Mark says, a tree is only as tall as you let it grow. We prune ours quite severely probably every second year, but leave the top branches to grow tall for the birds. I have also planted a white mulberry near the house for summer shade. There's less mess with white.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that - I'll just have to keep an eye on it then. It will go in this week in the middle of the front lawn. Looking forward to some mulberries next season - it's just a twig right now... I love how yours is so verdant green!
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