Monday, August 28, 2017

Schubert Chokecherry Tree

This Schubert Chokecherry grows in the backyard of a Lakehouse on Sylvan Lake.  And yes the berries are edible although due to flavor and pit best used for juice, jellies and syrups.
Schubert Chokecherry Tree
Chokecherry and Crabapple Jelly

8 cups ripe chokecherries
2 cups water
12 cups quartered crabapples
1 1/2 cups sugar

To prepare juice, combine chokecherries and 2 cups water in a saucepan.  In a separate saucepan, combine crabapples with enough water to cover.  Bring mixtures to a boil: reduce heat and simmer, covered, until fruit is soft.  Mash mixtures occasionally while cooking although I find that it is best not to mash the crabapples too fine (harder to juice).  Strain separately through jelly bags.

Measure 3 cups chokecherry juice and 3 cups crabapple juice.  In a Dutch oven, combine chokecherry juice and crabapple juice: bring to a boil.  Add sugar and stir until dissolved.  Bring mixture to a boil and boil rapidly until jelly stage is reached, about 20 minutes.  Remove from heat and skim foam if necessary.

Pour into hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.  Wipe jar rims thoroughly.  Seal and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Yield:  about 6 cups

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Saturday, August 26, 2017

Annabelle Hydrangea

Three more Annabelle Hydrangeas have now been planted in the backyard at the Lake House on Sylvan Lake.  
August 26, 2017

August 26, 2017

Hope for Humanity Rose

This rose bush was planted in a small flowerbed surrounded by sunflowers in a sunny backyard by Sylvan Lake.  Planted on Oma's birthday as this was a special rose 
that Oma cherished.
August 26, 2017
August 26, 2017

Tomatoes

These  tomato plants are growing in a pot on a sundeck in Salem, Connecticut. 
 They were planted as bedding plants in mid-May and 
by the second week in August were almost 7 feet tall.
  Three separate tomato plants-Pineapple, Peach and Arkansas.
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad.
  They produced a bountiful crop before the end of August.
August 2017

August 2017