With no steady rain in sight and not quite enough hose to go around, I had to resort to “the 5 gallon bucket experience” for the new aronia planting out in the driveway field. Although perennials generally require less water than annuals, due to their more extensive root structures, these babies are still getting established, and they were looking pretty thirsty. As I gave each one a sip from my bucket and pulled the weeds poking through the black plastic, I noticed a few tight clutches of green berries had appeared in spite of the obvious aridity. I paused in wonder at the resourcefulness and resilience of our amazing plant kingdom.

~Joy