I had phone conversation with my Gr8 last evening. I told her what I had done with my rhubarb.
She told me that her dad, my grandfather, had actually sent the plants to her after Mom and dad were married. They were cuttings from her childhood home. They’ve been doing well all these years. I’ve read that a plant can be productive for up to fifteen years, but Gr8 has been away from home a few more years than that . . . There were a couple of times when they looked like they were petering out, but, we dug up the crowns, divided them, then replanted them. That’s how I got mine, too. Her crop this year is really robust.
Mother also told me that yesterday was her father’s birthday. I never knew that date. Grandpa had passed away before I was born. “He would be 130.”
But . . . who knew I was going to need some new stemware? I might need to purchase a larger glass for the Rhubarb Daiquiri. Thank you Grandfather, (what would you have wanted us to call you?) for the rhubarb and for my mother. A toast to you on the anniversary of your birth. I’m very fond of your youngest child and your daughter’s children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter are taking good care of her.
….so that answers all my questions regarding rhubarb-growing. Thank you for all the great posts!
Arlene: You’re very welcome.
My husband is just nuts over anything rhubarb! Usually we buy ours from a local farmers market. It usually isn’t available until mid-June in our area. We bought a new starter plant this year. I found the sunniest spot that I could in our yard–which is challenging with all the trees. I’ve never heard of a rhubarb daiquiri–can you share the recipe?
Kathy: The recipe I used came from a book that is too recently published for it to be in public domain . . . HOWEVER, I checked online to see if I could find a recipe that is similar to mine. I did! It’s at: http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,193,146169-253207,00.html Mine called for slightly less rum, but I’m liking the amount in the online recipe! Let me know when you get the chace to try it. It’s very pleasant.
Sounds great, thanks!
I love that your rhubarb has a nice family history behind it.
That daiquiri looks very yummy!
Carol: Wish you were closer. That recipe was enough for two apiece for both of us. Alas I will have to finish them myself. It’s not exactly the same as juicing veggies, though.
Sorry you have to drink it all yourself… You’re a good woman, G.G.
Carol: Somebody has to do it.
130 eh? I don’t know why, but I find it fascinating and a little sad that the last of the individuals born before 1900 may have passed. Or if there are any left, they probably won’t be around much longer.
To have been born before a new century began, and then to have lived into a new century…I just find that to be wow.