There is a little forest I know that is being surrounded by housing development, in an area that is currently sprawling. This forest contains, among other things, a significant amount of ramps (or wild leeks or Allium tricoccum if you want to get fancy). A couple seasons ago, I dug a modest bag of ramps from this forest for a few dinners. Knowing that this forest is going to suffer from encroachment over the next few years, I planted a few of those ramps in the wooded bit out in our backyard.

I then promptly forgot all about them. Last spring they came back and they’re back again this spring. They are spreading but ever so slowly. I’m not going to touch them this year. Instead, I’m just going to let them continue to establish themselves. Maybe next year I’ll harvest enough for a meal.