What's that blooming ditch plant? Elderberry!

The Elderberries are seen blooming around in profusion right now. One of my faves! I have fond memories of picking elderberries with my Dad...except for the mosquitoes by the river where we picked. His favorite to make was elderberry jelly........the best. I remember seeing him fashion a sling full of fragrant cooked berries between 2 kitchen chairs in one of mom's flour sack dish towels with the juice dripping out. I must make some this year. I am getting a vision here...elderberry jelly on warm, crusty Ciabatta toast! Elderberry wine is also very tasty.

Elderberries - Sambucus is a native plant to North America. Earthworks has Sambucus Canadensis for sale in 1 gallon pots, $8 or 9 bucks. They rapidly grow to 10-12'. Their fruit is valuable to wildlife, over 120 birds eat their fruit, hopefully not all at once. They have few if any pest/disease problems, other than getting some fruit before the birds do. The plants can hop around the garden, so not the best choice for a very cultivated area unless you are an avid weed puller. Back of border or fronting a wood area best. They will grow in full sun or part shade and prefer a little more than average moisture...has that been problem this year?

Elders in bloom, very pretty. Wonder how they'd look in bouquet?

Open at the field 1-6 Mon - Sat.