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This year we celebrated 25 years of berry growing at
Pennyroyal Raspberry Farm!
We opened for PYO berries and Teahouse on 5th December, 2009. What a year it was!
For the first time in many years WE HAD REAL RAIN!!!! and buckets of it.
So, the year started with dams very close to full, as compared to
last year.
In season the Berry farm is open every day except Christmas Day from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.
The week of Black Saturday last year was an experience we don't want to have again - we emptied every dam and tank on the place during that
week with hand watering of all the rows to try and keep the plants alive.
We have had some real impact from that week, particularly on the raspberries, which were depleted in some areas from the stock of last year.
With the good rains the cane growth for next year looks terrific, and we had a very good crop of
raspberries as well as a large number of the different blackberries!
With the cool weather the fruit started slowly but really picked up with early warmth and we experienced excellent picking throughout the season.
Combined with our root zone water distribution/irrigation system , being much more efficient in both the delivery and usage
of water than early years, we put double our previous amounts of mulch on the rows to try to maintain soil moisture and cooler temperatures in Summer.
One sign of the weather impacts last year were the numbers of parrots looking to eat the early green jostaberries -
this year they've not been seen to attack the trees- a good sign of a kinder season than last year. We had a very large number of pickers through
and a lot of berries go out the gate and thanks to all those who visited us this season.
So, Pennyroyal Raspberry Farm has closed as at Saturday, 9th Jan.
We're now full on into pruning and as always, starting with the blacks. Our yearly stock of 120 pairs of gloves arrived about 3 weeks ago and we've worn out about one third already!
Our Berry Report:
(updated throughout the season).
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Raspberries - No further public picking
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American Brambleberries- No further public picking
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Boysenberries - No further public picking.
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Youngberries - No further public picking
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Marionberries - No further public picking.
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Jostaberries - No further public picking.
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Strawberries - No further public picking.
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NEW - Red and
Black currants No further public picking.
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NEW -
Gooseberries (nursery only). This bed has been expanded
and recovered well from the feral pigs of last year. Fruit now fully picked
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NEW -
Loganberries -a new row of old style loganberries has
been planted which has progressed well. Fruit now fully picked.
Have a look for our two Wollemi Pines while you're here!
Again this coming season, look for the tasty new Daily Specials in the
Teahouse! These are all made from our own farm produce to the extent possible, or sourced from reliable local growers with an "all natural" approach.
Also look for the new products - especially the raspberry and strawberry vinegars, which have been a big hit and the brand new Blackcurrant Relish -
fantastic with a good tasty cheese. Also, this year's Raspberry Flower Honey is spectacular!
Note we only have a limited supply, so make sure you look for it before it goes.
*Watch this space for some gourmet events during this
year - especially those for the "Friends of PRF". Also, look out for us in the "Australian Regional
Food Guide" and "A Taste of the Great Ocean Road". We
can also be seen in the September 2005 Edition of "Coast to
Country", which has a great article on Birregurra and surrounding
district (a couple of years old obviously but still a good description). We were also highlighted in Australian Horticulture,
October 2005 edition, with a special outline on our Jostaberries,
which are becoming more and more popular! In fact you'll see our Jostaberries in the Diggers Catalogue again this year. Listen out for Jane Edmonson talking with Katrine about Gooseberries and Jostaberries or berries in general on 3AW Saturdays.
*If you're looking for a great breakfast in Melbourne, try "Collins
Quarter" at 86a Collins Street Melbourne - a truly higher class
of all natural artisan made jams is being served there, exclusively
from Pennyroyal Raspberry Farm!! As always,
you can also get Pennyroyal Raspberry Farm jams and preserves
at the Birregurra General Store,
the Barwon Downs Store and
A Taste of the Region in Winchelsea.
Please note - we are still getting comment from customers regarding
jam and preserves under the label -Pennyroyal Farm/Otway Preserves.
These are NOT our products. Pennyroyal Farm/Otway Preserve products are factory made
in Geelong.
Pennyroyal Raspberry Farm jams and preserves are farm grown
and made. Our jams are made from fruit from our own canes on the farm and have NO additives, including any kind of commercial pectin.
When buying our products, look for labels with this
logo to be sure of obtaining the right, best product!
Photo to be inserted
Last update @ 17.30
p.m.15.4.10 |
