June 15

June is the month of the strawberry moon, and this is aptly named just now. Look closely at the roadsides and open fields throughout town, where only a few weeks ago the white blossoms of the wild strawberry have given way to splashes here and there of tiny red fruit.

There is a large cluster at the top of Streeter Road, tucked secretly within the tall grass and bindweed that have outpaced the strawberry since flowering. These berries are unusually large for wilds, and I am happy to report that they are surprisingly sweet.

More often the fare are smallish, and it takes perseverance to pick enough to satisfy any hunger pains. This really isn’t the point though – it is enough to be out in the field walking in the June sunshine which has contributed greatly to this early summer reward.

Be quick about this, for there is competition to be had, as the birds will undoubtedly descend; they need it more than we, I suppose.

There will be cultivated berries galore in the store now, and I am reminded that the farm opens soon, made plain by the sign out front which reads “Opening around June 22 with strawberries and early vegetables.”

Notes:  

Milkweed in bloom