Black Oxford showing off its wide-spreading, rounded form after the March 23, 2026 storm

The snow ended late last night. It was time for it to move on. This morning the brilliant March sun returned. It was the type of sun that can sneak up on you this time of year, reflecting off the snow and beaming down from outer space to give you a sunburn to end all sunburns, like the ones Jen Reis and I both got cutting scionwood one March day in Monmouth at Highmoor Farm many years ago. We didn’t even know it was happening. We were having a gay ol’ time cutting away much of the day, totally oblivious until we looked at each other as we hiked back to the truck. Ouch. We were both the color two tomatoes in late August.

I spent today pruning up at Finley Lane. It was delightful. The snow was settling, and I didn’t get fried. I love being with the trees in all their nakedness. I’m endlessly entertained by the differences in tree-forms. Every tree has its own. One of the reasons why I lean towards having only one cultivar per tree is just that: I love to see the tree form of each cultivar. They are so different. Or as I like to say, really, really, very, very unique!