Our marionberry trellis resembled a thicket of brambles before I began pruning this week. These luscious berries are favorites during August, and I’ve written about them here and here. Their upkeep includes cutting away spent floricanes and pruning first-year primocanes to manageable levels. The left side shows my progress, reducing each clump down to 5-7 canes, while the right shows work remaining.

Summer harvest will be especially welcome this year. Last summer I made and served so many berry crisps that I ran out of energy and berries to make jam. The pantry is sadly void of marionberry jam, and I need to remedy that!
The raspberry trellis also needed pruning. While weeding the area beneath the canes I discovered a new patch of young stinging nettles. Thankfully, thick leather gloves protected my hands. Looking close, their needle-like thorns are clearly visible.







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