raspberry thorns: a sign of tradition or a labeling mistake?
Every summer, I remember picking raspberries with my grandmother in her backyard, our hands stained red and scratched by stubborn thorns. Back then, those prickly canes were a rite of passage—a small price for sweet, sun-warmed berries. But today, as I tend my own patch in the Midwest, I find myself puzzled. My new 'Joan J' raspberry, promised to be thornless, is suddenly sprouting sharp thorns. Did the nursery mislabel my plant, or is nature reminding me of the old ways?
Some neighbors say thorns are a sign of authenticity, a connection to the wild brambles of our childhood. Others, especially younger gardeners, insist on the convenience of modern, thornless varieties—no more scratched arms or worried grandchildren. Yet, in our community, debates spark over what belongs in our shared gardens: should we stick to traditional, hardy plants that weather our unpredictable springs, or embrace new cultivars that promise ease but sometimes disappoint?
Last week, after a sudden cold snap, I noticed the thorns seemed even more pronounced. Was it stress from the weather, or just a quirk of this season? Some folks blame climate change for these surprises, while others say it’s just bad luck or poor labeling at the garden center. Either way, it’s become a hot topic at our local gardening club, with older members reminiscing about the good old days and younger ones demanding refunds.
As I walk through my garden, I can’t help but feel torn—between nostalgia for the past and hope for a thornless future. Have you faced this dilemma? Do you value the rugged charm of traditional raspberries, or do you prefer the comfort of modern varieties? Let’s share our stories and maybe, just maybe, find some common ground among the canes.
#raspberries #gardeningdebate #nostalgia #Gardening
