What future does Cassandra see for herself in the winter reflection of a Wellfleet kettle pond? Probably one that involves rain or snow. Or ducks. The ericaceous shrub Chamaedaphne calyculata, known both as cassandra and leatherleaf, forms a perimeter of red-purple around Duck Pond, its arching stems seeming to gaze into the rippling gray for clues. Believe me, the maroon thickets will turn green again in the spring — just in time to welcome any nesting ducks in need of cover. —Joe Beuerlein
