I have decided to win this one. Many years ago, my husband and I identified the best spot in our yard for a garden, and began feeding it compost, thereby building up a raised area of rich soil that gets as much sun as one can reasonably expect in this part of the world.

And then, I got busy, as one does with a teaching job and kids to raise. While my back was turned, the salmonberries quietly moved in, and placed their ferocious roots where I had planned for lettuce and carrots. For many years I simply ceded the territory, even while ruthlessly smiting the salmonberries’ continual efforts to spread even further. And I looked about for another spot for my garden, none of which were anywhere near as good as the one I had given up on.

But now, I am at home a lot more, and the kids are alright. I shall reclaim this territory! The key to success, as I may have mentioned before, is slow and steady. Dig the roots all the way down to the end, sift the soil for tendrils, and put the whole mess in the burn barrel or in the no-man’s-land between us and the neighbor.

Dear salmonberry, I bear you no malice, and I am so grateful for all the years that you have shared your fruit with me and my family. I’m sure that if we put our heads together, we will find you a new place to set up shop. You just can’t have my garden.