The heatwave continued on the 10th, but rain and cold returned on the 11th. The first robins appeared on this morning on the Sargent Crab in our front yard. That’s the famous small-fruited, low-statured Malus sargentii with undulating, pretzel-form branches. Our scionwood came from the old tree at the front gate of Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, MA. It’s an incredible tree, only about 15 feet high and 40 feet across. I was tempted to steal a stick of scionwood years ago, but I decided to go legit and asked them. They were generous to let me take a foot or two. Now we have it here.

Could this be the true Brigg’s Auburn apple tree? Poland ME, March 11, 2026.

Cammy continued pruning out in the BRC. I did a few meetings on the 10th and gave a talk on the 11th in Topsham--land of the Givens apple--to a large, enthusiastic group at the Topsham Library. En route I did some scion-collecting in Poland and Cumberland. In Poland I collected scions from what I hope is the true Brigg’s Auburn apple tree. I can’t believe it. I’ve been looking for it for over 25 years. Sean Turley found the tree a couple years ago. We’ve done a DNA analysis, and, although I’m not 100% convinced yet, I do think we have probably found it. What a great moment. Thank you Sean.

All this on International Johnny Appleseed Day (or something like that). Why March 11? Apparently that’s the day he died. (Yikes). Anyway, every day is a good day to celebrate apples.