I wonder if your article (“What’s your best pick?” Leader, Aug. 14) was purposely misleading those who might compete for your wild blackberries. By the hot days of August, there are essentially none left, which is a good way to discourage people—they see all those vines, but no berries, since either you have picked them already or by then the birds have gotten any stragglers.

Traditionally, the first blackberry pie of the year was on July 4, although of course it varies a week or two either way depending on weather. When I was a kid, we never considered Himalayas food, I didn’t know anyone who picked them (this was in the 1960s). I still don’t, and on my forest property I’ve spent tremendous amounts of time and money eliminating them and replanting trees.

A friend of mine actually gathered, replanted, and trellised a bunch of vines, eight female to one male plant. I know he got fruit, but can’t imagine it was worth the effort. As for those who claim to prefer Himalayas, they’re either misleading others to protect their wild patch, or “sour grapesing,” because they can’t find the good stuff.

David T Chuljian
PORT TOWNSEND