Bumper Berry Crop This Year

Our raspberry and blackberry bushes provide good yields every year, but the quantity and quality of both has been exceptionally high this summer. The wetter than normal May and June we experienced this spring probably has much to do with it. The extra precipitation appears to have been a blessing for all fruits in this region of the world. For example, the branches of my wild plum trees are so laden they are on the verge of snapping. My neighbor's apricot tree appeared more yellow than green this year. The only fruit that did not seem to do well this summer were watermelons, which have been smaller and less sweet than they normally are. In any case, the abundance of fruit this season guarantees ample jams and preserves, which help smuggle the scents and flavors of summertime into the darkest winter days.