Fruit and berries ask for patience. There is blossom to wait for, weather to watch and the long delicious pause before the first ripe handful. Then suddenly the birds and I are both very interested in the same branch.
I love the small rituals of berry season: checking the bushes as I walk past, bringing a bowl just in case and eating the first few before they get anywhere near the kitchen. A proper harvest is a bonus; the tasting along the way is the point.
When there is enough to bring inside, I keep things simple. Some fruit is eaten fresh, some goes into a quick dessert and some is frozen in small portions for colder days. A few jars of jam make lovely gifts, though I have learned to label them before the pantry fills up.
The best varieties are the ones that suit the spot and the people who live here. I am still learning what likes my garden and the west-coast weather. Each year brings new blossoms, a few unexpected berries and something to look forward to next summer.
Thanks for spending a little time in my garden. There’s always something new to try, and I’ll be glad to share what happens next.