When Life Gives You Mulberries!
When life gives you mulberries: A Garden Overflowing with Berries
If there is one tree stealing the show in the Walled Garden this summer, it is our magnificent mulberry tree. Laden with deep purple fruits from branch to branch, this year’s crop has been so abundant that the tree is quite literally struggling under the weight of its own success!
The combination of warm temperatures, plentiful sunshine and ideal growing conditions has resulted in one of the best mulberry harvests we can remember. Heavy clusters of berries hang from every limb, creating a spectacular display and providing an incredible harvest for our gardeners and chefs alike.
As Anna, our Head Gardener, puts it: “I’ve never seen the mulberry tree carrying quite so much fruit. The branches are absolutely laden with berries this year, and in places we’re having to keep a close eye on them because the weight of the crop is putting the tree under real pressure. The hot weather has been fantastic for the fruit, and the harvest has been exceptional.”
Mulberries have a long and fascinating history. Native to Asia and parts of Europe, they were introduced to Britain centuries ago and became particularly popular during the Tudor and Stuart periods. King James I famously encouraged the planting of mulberry trees across England in the early 17th century, hoping to establish a silk industry. While that ambition never quite succeeded, the trees themselves flourished and became treasured features of gardens and estates across the country.
Their sweet, rich flavour sits somewhere between a blackberry and a raspberry. Unfortunately, they are rarely seen in supermarkets due to their delicate nature and short shelf life, making a freshly harvested mulberry a real seasonal treat.
With mulberries now on their way into the kitchen, our chefs have no shortage of inspiration when it comes to making the most of this year’s crop. Fresh berries will feature in a variety of seasonal desserts, while others will be transformed into ompotes and drizzles. Their rich colour and intense flavour make them perfect for adding a touch of summer to the menu.
The harvest has been so plentiful that discussions are underway about whether some of the fruit could find its way into the next edition of our Weston Park gin. The mulberry’s natural sweetness and deep berry notes would lend themselves beautifully to a distinctive seasonal spirit, making this exciting possibility one to watch.
For now, guests can look forward to enjoying delicious dishes showcasing the sweet, rich flavour of mulberries, from seasonal desserts to vibrant drizzles and compotes. Visitors can also seek out our remarkable mulberry tree for themselves, tucked away behind the Maze, where its heavily laden branches are a sight to behold. With an exceptional harvest, exciting culinary possibilities and even the prospect of featuring in a future Weston Park gin, it’s safe to say that this has been a truly remarkable year for our mulberry tree.
