The cold weather continued. Don’t put away the sweaters yet. Even the trees are shivering. The birds are still rallying around the feeders, including a colorful Rose-breasted Grosbeak. They typically pass through the farm en route north just about now.

We stayed warm by working in the nursery, digging the bed for this year’s new batch of 200 grafted trees and planting asparagus. We also moved one apple tree about 15 feet. It was in a less-than-ideal spot, and it seemed like a good idea to relocate it. I cut a big square, and Cammy and I wrestled the heavy block over to it’s new home. It was relatively compliant, and I think it should be happy. It’s an unidentified yellow and russeted apple from Buttermilk Hill in Belgrade, one the Gawlers call “Sueboo Russet.” We had it DNA profiled and the results came back “unique.” Another mystery to solve.

In the afternoon we went to friends and did some topworking for them. It really put our grafting magic to the test: despite being May 11, the bark was barely slipping.