Frugal Living and an Attempt to Grow Brambles

When starting to tackle the new garden I found what I think are bramble bushes, although I am not entirely sure whay type. I think they are probably blackberries and don't know if they will come to anything, as they appear to be growing wild. I still need to slot in some canes and tie them up - planning on doing that as soon as possible but have run out of suitable sticks and garden canes at the moment. Update - I've just learned that blackberries have prickly stems and raspberries have smooth stems, so these are definitely blackberries. I'm expecting to see white flowers soon. November 2008, moved house again, starting over!

	Above: 04/06/08 There are what look like flower buds beginning to emerge. Perhaps these bushes are worth cultivating afterall. Left: 31/05/08 picture shows the row of brambles growing along the edge of next door's large shed. There are also yellow poppies and daffodils in amongst them plus what looks like a plum tree sapling and some fuschias.
07/06/08 Making a start to sorting out the brambles. Note that more poppies have appeared! (Seed collecting soon.)	09/07/08 At long last, the brambles are beginning to flower! I'd almost given up hope as it's been a month since the buds appeared.
12/09/08 - the brambles are gradually ripening but I think, if cultivated, these will be much more productive next year. (Moved house)	11/08/09 - Moved house, loads of brambles along the drive here and all ripening ready for summer blitzt of jam & jelly making
13/08/09 - Looking good, getting better by the day and being harvested as they ripen.	23/08/09 - The first of many batches of bramble or blackberry jelly.
13/09/09 Brambles, rowans & rosehips ready for making into hedgerow jelly.	The stock of homemade jams, jellies & marmalades is growing nicely, no more buying!
The preserves unit is filled with enough jams, jellies and marmalades to see us through to next year.