really disappointed

[annabella1]

All summer long they had beautiful roses growing in the flower beds around where I work. Last week I noticed that there were lots of rose hips on them. I was going to ask today when I came in, if I could harvest them. When I got to work today all the rose bushes had been pulled up and mums had been planted in their place. They probably just threw them away I am upset and disappointed. I should have just picked them last week, but I wanted to make sure they hadn't been sprayed with anything.

[Shamrock1121]

That's a shame. :( And such a waste of plants.

Instructions for anyone who hasn't considered using rose hips. During WWII it was a major source of vitamin C in Europe when they couldn't get shipments of citrus.

(Source: http://homecooking.about.com/library/archive/blfruit15.htm)

Just after a frost is the best time to gather rose hips. Snap off the tails as you pick,or later when you reach home. Spread the hips out on a clean surface and allow to dry partially. When the skins begin to feel dried and shriveled, split the hips and take out the large seeds -- all of them. If you let the hips dry too much, it will be difficult to remove the seeds. If not dry enough, the inside pulp will be sticky and cling to the seeds. After the seeds are removed, allow the hips to dry completely before storing or they will not keep well. Store in small, sealed plastic bags. These will keep indefinitely in the freezer or for several months in the refrigerator. They are packed with vitamin C and are good to munch on anytime you need extra energy...or a moderately sweet nutlike "candy."

[lateaprildawn]

PS, The furry rose seeds make the most excellent itching powder !!! ;)

[alma]

White pine needles give a LOT of vitamin C.
Indians taught this to early settlers.
The needles grow in clusters of five and are about 3-4 inches long.
15 minutes in the sun gives 1000 I.U. of vitamin D.
2 brazil nuts give 200 micrograms of selenium as i recall.
Use vitamin E with selenium. Vit. E. is in wheat germ.
I'm trying to learn how to get vitamins from foods, including the "weeds" in the back yard.
They are a good source of food and med. Look under altnature.com for info.
We have lots of japanese honeysuckle in yard also. It is a good source of food and med, also.
Even kudsu has a lot of food value.
I am writing this off top of head. Will have to check this stuff out again now that spring has sprung.
I have lemon balm in garden, and purple cone flower,(echenasea, sp.), and mints, and of course dandlion, etc in yard.
V B6 for edema, etc.
How about someone giving a rundown on back yard food and med. love, alma