Yesterday afternoon, setting out my onion seedlings, I had to dig up the Sambucus nigra I had put there last spring, to grow from a bitty little thing to a "safe" size. Had the dickens of a time freeing it from the soil. Turns out, the roots--I measured them--had grown straight down --so no compaction, which would make them grow sideways…
Yesterday afternoon, setting out my onion seedlings, I had to dig up the Sambucus nigra I had put there last spring, to grow from a bitty little thing to a "safe" size. Had the dickens of a time freeing it from the soil. Turns out, the roots--I measured them--had grown straight down --so no compaction, which would make them grow sideways-- and grown straight down TWENTY FOUR inches. I was in wonder. Absolute wonder. This is the 38th garden year on this soil.
Well, actually, have for perhaps 37 years--as I put in two cultivars of Sambucus Canadensis when we first were gardening here. Used them chiefly for wine. Tend to make elderflower champagne (like a barely alcoholic fizzy lemony drink). And put in more cultivars 3 years ago. Made elderberry syrup and liqueur in '23. Last spring, getting hold of the European Nigra was a new opportunity. I've moved to thinking that if a plant doesn't provide food, I don't want to give it yard room.
Yesterday afternoon, setting out my onion seedlings, I had to dig up the Sambucus nigra I had put there last spring, to grow from a bitty little thing to a "safe" size. Had the dickens of a time freeing it from the soil. Turns out, the roots--I measured them--had grown straight down --so no compaction, which would make them grow sideways-- and grown straight down TWENTY FOUR inches. I was in wonder. Absolute wonder. This is the 38th garden year on this soil.
Let us know when you start harvesting your own elderberries.
Well, actually, have for perhaps 37 years--as I put in two cultivars of Sambucus Canadensis when we first were gardening here. Used them chiefly for wine. Tend to make elderflower champagne (like a barely alcoholic fizzy lemony drink). And put in more cultivars 3 years ago. Made elderberry syrup and liqueur in '23. Last spring, getting hold of the European Nigra was a new opportunity. I've moved to thinking that if a plant doesn't provide food, I don't want to give it yard room.