In the year 1893, writes a correspondent, portion of the garden where I now live was laid out in strawberries. For the past 17 years that I have lived here, and I know for several years previously, that end of the garden was never cultivated. In fact, it is just a wilderness of long grass.
Every spring, however, before the grass has grown, there is a space of, say, 14 by 18 feet of strawberry blossom - a sheet of white. During the early summer the grass is allowed to grow, and by the beginning of July is a waving mass nearly four feet above the strawberries, which are then ripening wonderfully.
Every year they yield some few pounds of fruit, but whether this is a particularly good year for them I do not know. But I do know that these are exceptionally good in shape and size, and the sweetest and nicest flavour I have ever tasted. I have made 15 lb. of jam, and have gathered nearly 18 lb. altogether this month from a space of about 14 by 18 feet - and they are still going strong!
As I say, nothing is done in the way of cultivating the fruit. It is left entirely to itself. At the end of July the grass is cut down with a scythe - and, of course, the strawberry plants also - and they are then left till the following July, when the cutting takes place again.
Strawberry cultivation is usually a tedious business, but these of mine arrive every year - and at their best, apparently - without moulding, strawing or any other attention.
The Irish Times, July 21st, 1939.