rediscovering forgotten fruits in our own backyards
I remember wandering through my grandmother’s garden as a child, the air heavy with the scent of ripe fruit. Back then, we knew every tree and bush, and every season brought its own sweet surprises. But now, walking through my own neighborhood in North America, I see fewer of those old fruit trees. Instead, there are manicured lawns and imported plants that struggle in our unpredictable climate.
Last week, I stumbled upon a gnarled tree at the edge of our community park. Its branches were heavy with small, golden fruit—something I hadn’t seen since childhood. I picked one, tasted it, and was instantly transported back to summer afternoons spent with sticky fingers and laughter echoing through the yard.
It made me wonder: why have we traded these resilient, local treasures for ornamental plants that need constant care? My neighbors argue that modern landscaping looks cleaner, but I miss the days when every yard told a story, and every fruit was a reminder of our roots. Some say native fruit trees are messy or old-fashioned, but isn’t there beauty in their wildness and the memories they hold?
As we face hotter summers and unpredictable weather, maybe it’s time to rethink what we plant. Should we return to the fruit trees that once thrived here, or stick with the tidy, but thirsty, imports? I’d love to hear your thoughts—do you remember the taste of fruit from your childhood? Would you plant a tree for your grandchildren, even if it means a little more mess and a lot more memories?
#nostalgia #fruitmemories #nativeplants #Gardening
