I agree with all the above! From our childhood when climbing them was our greatest source of entertainment, to the fruit we use for sweet treats and healthy snacks, they are an enormous part of everybody's life. But as a gardener they become the bones in our gardens. The loss of the main tree in a shade garden is a disaster and the sound of the birds and critters that make their home in them is the music for our ears and the delight of our eyes as we watch them going about their business. The loss of one in our yard is like the loss of an old friend and is sorely missed.
I too love that poem. I don't remember where I first read it but reading it in your article was like seeing an old friend. Thanks for the lovely article!
