Today in the orchard
Skylar and Taterhouse tree (look closely)
A few drops of rain today but mostly overcast and dry. Cammy planted the onions into the main garden. Skylar explored the rootcellar for good storage apples. She’s learning to read my handwriting and weird abbreviations on the dozens of miscellaneous bags. In the afternoon we planted an apple tree out in the ‘BRC’ orchard that is referred to by some as ‘Jurassic Park’. A certain amount of bushwhacking is required before doing any planting. We were able to bushwhack sufficiently to plant a small but well-rooted tree of Taterhouse. Taterhouse is a seedling discovered by friends in Aroostook County. The fruit is large, oblate, purple-red in color and excellent fresh eating. We almost lost it to fireblight a few years ago, but I was able to snag one puny piece of scionwood out of the remnants and graft a couple trees. Now it will live on to see another day.
The birds are descending upon the farm in delightful diversity. We see new species everyday now. Yesterday Redwing Blackbirds, a Ruby-Throated Hummingbird and even a Bobolink. Lots more native plants in bloom, and more coming daily.
