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August 10, 2005
BOG, Not Blog
In recent weeks, I have developed a new fascination: cranberry bogs. I have no idea why, other than the fact that they are absolutely beautiful during harvest time. One morning I was struck with an overwhelming urge to visit one; I have been researching them ever since.
It is widely assumed that cranberries get their name for their flower, which resembles a crane. They grow on vines that form a thick mat across the surface of the bog bed. In the spring and summer, this mat is a lush green. Then, as the pink carpet of flowers give way to fruit, the entire bed turns a fabulous, rich red. Harvest time is usually in October.
Upon his return from the very last leg of his summer work travels, Lex and I will be heading up to Maine for an extended weekend. I had high hopes that we would be able to find a cranberry bog there, however we are visiting the southern end of Maine. It seems as though most bogs are either in the way northeast or in Cape Cod. Sniffle. One day. I wish we could cultivate a cranberry bog in Brooklyn—just think about it! We could have the Gowanus Cranberry Farm. But I guess the fruit would probably resemble something from the Simpsons…
Posted by callalillie at August 10, 2005 9:41 AM | Random
New Jersey is a big producer of Cranberries. You should look there.
Posted by: Jeff at August 10, 2005 10:24 AM
my friend's parents have a cranberry bog.. in MA. i think they produce for ocean spray. there are bogs in wi too but i've never been.
Posted by: rachelle at August 10, 2005 10:35 AM
New Jersey? Hmm. We're thinking about maybe detouring into MA on the way home. I'm not sure if the bogs will be fully red by the beginning of Sept, but it's worth a shot.
Posted by: corie at August 10, 2005 10:55 AM
do they let anyone wade into the bog? because i would so do that.
Posted by: tien at August 10, 2005 11:18 AM
Posted by: Alyssa at August 10, 2005 11:40 AM
There's lots and lots of Cranberry bogs in South Jersey.
Bog. What a great word. Bog, bog, bog, bog.
Posted by: Bill at August 10, 2005 12:51 PM
My roomate from college is from Carver MA (Cranberry Capital of the World)
that should totally be on the way to Maine.
Where in Maine are you going? One of my closest friends (same as above) is an AMAZING, sensitive, beautiful non-traditional wedding photographer based out of Portland. She is just starting up an art gallery if you are interested in checking her out.
Posted by: Tiya at August 10, 2005 12:54 PM
If Tien goes wading in the bog, I would so like to be there with a camera.
Posted by: yp at August 10, 2005 1:02 PM
I hope Tien washes his feet first. Then again, does Nike make waders?
Tiya-- I'll be in touch. We are totally looking for a non traditional wedding photographer who won't have a videocamera up our asses the entire night.
Someone else just recommended Carver, MA, too. I sense a cranberry bog tour coming on...
Posted by: corie at August 10, 2005 1:04 PM
If you are fascinated with the bogs, you should read Cranberry Queen written by Kathleen DeMarco. Sad book, but great descriptions.
Posted by: Ragged Around the Edges at August 10, 2005 1:39 PM
hey! it's not like i don't wash my feet! or shower every day.
Posted by: tien at August 10, 2005 2:10 PM
Posted by: tien at August 10, 2005 2:14 PM
Yep, New Jersey is loaded with cranberry bogs. You'll find them in the strangest places. Bogs. Be careful around bogs, they're ecoloigcally fragile.
Posted by: breana at August 10, 2005 2:57 PM
Posted by: discostu at August 10, 2005 3:21 PM
Posted by: discostu at August 10, 2005 3:28 PM
we used to see a lovely cranberry bog from the causeway bridge to long beach island in new jersey.
Posted by: sonnet takahisa at August 11, 2005 7:03 AM
Have you ever read the cranberry children's book series? Cranberry Thanksgiving, Cranberry Christmas, etc.? If not, they're sweet and definitely worth checking out.
Posted by: Kelly at August 16, 2005 5:18 PM
