Unlike the blackberries I planted, our black raspberries (Rubus occidentalis) are as packed with thorns as they are with berries.

This wild raspberry patch grew in an area we had cleared with the intention of planting something, and then abandoned when life got away from us for a bit. Normally I discourage anything with thorns from growing, but this is a spot where no one needs to walk regularly, and well, berries. Who can say no to berries?

As I approach, birds scatter and chipmunks chitter in alarm as they scurry for cover. They’re willing to brave the thorns, but deem a human too great a danger.