The other day I was reading an interesting blog post by Bernideen titled
A Bittersweet Tea. She had used a lovely bittersweet-themed tea set and had decorated with a branch of bittersweet she had found in an antique mall. My friend
Vee left a comment on this post and noted that in her part of Maine it is too early for bittersweet. (Bernideen is in Missouri.) That got me thinking about the bittersweet I'd discovered near my dad's home a year or two ago. Today when I was there I decided to check its progress.
I took two photos with my Kindle as I thought Mr. T had taken the camera to work. (Now I see it is still here!) At the top of the post you see the bittersweet as it is today. Yellow leaves, and scads of yellow berries. Pretty, and even a bit unusual-looking, but nowhere near ready to use in decorating.
And here is a bit closer of a pic which includes the stone wall it is growing beside.
Interestingly, I found that the pictures I got of last year's bittersweet were taken on November 3 -- so just a month later than today. I'll keep checking in on the bush from time to time to note its progress!
I do not think I have seen any Bittersweet here. I could be wrong but the only blooming thing right now is Goldenrod which is causing much sneezing and itchy eyes to those that are allergic to it. I have seen some of the pretty red flowers that bloom in the fall. They look rather like red spiders and they grow from bulbs. They are always a sure sign of fall in the south.
ReplyDeleteWe have goldenrod here too, Arlene, as well as ragweed which I am told blooms around the same time. And that either one can make people miserable!
DeleteWonder what those fall-blooming red flowers are?
I must go check my bittersweet source...it's highly secret you know! I almost do it under cover of darkness. Do you have your own bittersweet? I have considered it, but I am afraid that it would take over my small lot in short order so I have nixed the idea. I do love bittersweet, though!
ReplyDeleteNo, I do not have my own bittersweet. I discovered some near my dad's home a couple of years ago so I simply cut some from that. It's right beside the road but apparently no one else has noticed! It's on my uncle's property so I feel pretty safe cutting it.
DeleteI'm with you, I wouldn't dare plant any. Even though our soil here isn't the best, a couple of things people told me "would spread" did, and became a nuisance -- periwinkle and jewelweed.
I don't think I have ever seen bittersweet in person. The reason I know about it is there was a book I always read my students around Thanksgiving. IT was set in Nebraska and the time was Thanksgiving and the girls were collecting bittersweet for their Thanksgiving bouquets. I love it though. Mine would have to be the fake kind at Hobby Lobby. Arlene is right...we have goldenrods which are beautiful but get the sinuses all out of whack.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun way to learn about bittersweet, Sandy! Do you remember the name of the book? I would love to find a copy!
DeleteSome of the faux bittersweet is pretty realistic-looking. And it doesn't shed!
Goldenrod ... yep, we have it here too!
A delightful post, my friend. I don't think we have Bittersweet here in the mountains so I thoroughly enjoyed seeing yours :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the sweet comment on my blog this morning - you are such a dear. Hugs!
I'm glad you enjoyed seeing the bittersweet, Stephanie! It does seem to be more of a northeastern plant.
DeleteHave a wonderful weekend!