An everyday story of Ralph and the oversized tomato plant

Ralph Falkenstein knew he had never seen a tomato plant the size of the one he grew in his backyard but wasn't sure if others had. The 78-year-old Deer Park man proudly called The Enquirer and left a voicemail urging someone, anyone, to come out and take a look. The voicemail was passed around, and I, being always up for a fun story and nice people (bonus: he even had a dog), volunteered to go take a peek (and a few photos). 

I arrived in Ralph's backyard on the morning of Oct. 5. He was pretty worried I was going to have trouble photographing this tomato plant as it was particularly foggy just a few hours before. I was first greeted by Lady, a mixed breed that he adopted several years prior. Ralph spends a lot of time in his backyard with Lady. They have to keep an eye on the fruits (or vegetables) of their labor, as it is Deer Park, after all. 

I have to admit, when I first talked to Ralph on the phone, I expected this tomato plant to be overtaking his backyard and home. But that was not the case. The plant was taller than me (still not too much of a feat as I am 5-foot-4) but still impressive nonetheless. Ralph stood proudly, picked a few tomatoes off the vine and then went to sit on his swing that looks like it's definitely been used.

"I'm glad you came," he said, admitting that he didn't expect me to show. "I didn't want to be the only one taking pictures of this plant."