Elderberry Shrubs

We got this pretty gift from some friends.

There was a lot of snow this past weekend.  I noticed flocks of birds in the trees and husband M said they were eating the elderberries from the shrubs in our side yard.  Those shrubs had seeded themselves over the years and I was happy that the birds could find some nourishment from them in the cold, snowy weather.

The days have started getting longer now that  the winter solstice has passed.  This is a good thing.

Elderberry in fruit

I have some elderberry plants. These small trees/shrubs are native to the region and a couple of them seeded themselves in my backyard several years ago. I was delighted to see them full of berries this past weekend as pictured. I read that you can make syrups and jams with them, but I simply hope the birds will enjoy them.  The berry has a couple of small seeds inside.