Hey everyone! I'm a first-time homeowner and recently discovered that my garden has two damson trees. At first, I thought it was exciting, but I've realized there are a ton of fallen damsons everywhere. The ground, which is covered in slate gravel, is totally covered with these soft, squishy fruits that are starting to break down. So, I'm wondering:
1. How bad is it to leave the fallen fruits there? I assume it's not great since they might rot and attract pests.
2. What's the best way to collect these fallen damsons without pulling up more slate than fruit? I've been trying to clean them up, but it's proving to be much harder than I expected!
3 Answers
You might want to try laying down a large sheet or tarp around the tree to catch the fruits as they fall next year. For now, picking them up seems to be the most reliable method. If it's a bit too messy on the slate, consider shaking the tree over the sheet to collect them more easily.
Honestly, if you want to mitigate the mess, just get a grass rake and gather them up! Plus, if you're feeling adventurous, you could try making some damson gin. It's worth a shot!
Leaving the damsons on the ground will definitely invite some unwanted friends—think fruit flies and wasps. You might get a lovely aroma of fermenting fruit too!
And don't forget the potential for a few tipsy hedgehogs wandering around—they can be quite a sight!
Great idea! Using a bed sheet is clever. It'll definitely help with cleanup next season.