Spotted in late August, this little tomato plant is the best example of resilience I have seen in a while.
I’m assuming the seed of a patio tomato fell from a nearby balcony, lodged itself in a space between the sidewalk and a foundation on a downtown street. It then would have survived the freeze and thaw cycles of an icy North Atlantic winter. It would have been tread upon and scraped over.
Not only did it survive the Halifax winter (and “spring”!) but grew to blossom and even produce fruit on a shaded street that is dominated by massive urban building project.
If this had been a wee spruce tree, or other native spicies, it would, perhaps have been a charming find. But a tomato? Here? Impressive!
My hat goes off to you little plant! I hope the seed of one of those tomatos carries on your impressive will.
Rose Bay Letters 
You never know with tomatoes! Great story, Janet.
Thanks, Elen!!
I’ve lovingly tended tomato plants all summer that did absolutely nothing. I’ve also had a tomato plant similar to the one in this photo – growing between the stones of my back patio. I didn’t have the heart to pull it out and that little plant flourished all summer and yielded an abundance of cherry tomatoes.
Sometimes there’s just no telling what will thrive and what won’t. Definitely resilient ๐
It’s so true! The “right” conditions are sometimes more complicated than we know. Or, perhaps, “less” complicated. Maybe some living things are just hard wired with a particular determined resilience. Regardless of species. Hmmmmm……
… but I’m really good at nurturing weeds ๐
Weeds are plants, too. ๐
Oh so impressive! Well done little Tom. I love it when plants hang in there no matter what ๐
Impressive will, indeed! The imperative to grow is largely powerful, I guess. Inspiring.
You are right about the will to grow. This little plant didn’t let hurtle stand in its way. Except when I’m “trying”to grow tomatoes- in, what should be great conditions: soil, heat, water, etc. They can be fussy. But this one!! I was moved by its impressive determination. ๐. Sometimes people are like that.
Tomato plants are really quite awesome…I’m continually amazed by their resilience…what a great picture and example! Thanks for sharing!
They are awesome!! And resilient! Unless, of course, I am actually nurturing them in the garden ….. Then sometimes they suddenly choose to be fragile. But this little plant is a beautiful example of determination in the face of adversity. Thanks for dropping by! ๐
My thoughts exactly! There are some tomato plants I grew that didn’t make it or were just scraggly with even the best care, but these that are just resilient are meant to be! ๐