The past two days have been exceptionally glorious (how’s that for superlatives) in the orchards and gardens on the farm. And they only get better as evening approaches. It’s tough to come in for dinner before 8 PM. It’s just too nice out there. But, alas, I did.

We have been weeding, cutting out fire blight strikes and doing some planting in the nursery. We’ve removed most of the fire blight strikes now. but I’m still checking every day. We planted another 50+ apple seedlings. These are primarily OP seedlings of Kingston Black and Charlamoff. Kingston Black is that famous English bittersharp cider apple that’s also famously difficult to grow. But, wow, it does make nice cider. Last fall we dabbled in cooking with KB, and it performed well. Charlamoff is a Duchess-type that I suspect could make a superior home-grown standard seedling rootstock. It is also a great cooking apple.

Time to get rid of the ants and add new sugar syrup

The feeder is pretty quiet these days. We aren’t even keeping it full. If anyone drops by to say hello, it’s the Bluejays and the Mourning Doves. The Hummingbirds, on the other hand, are still visiting the hummingbird feeder multiple times a day. They are our summer-time pals. Although we only get the Ruby-throated hummers in central Maine (Archilochus colubris), they are endlessly entertaining. Twice I’ve handled a humming bird. Both times I was able to perform rescues of hummers caught inside a building where the door should have been closed. Two fantastic moments. They are so small. And I’m positive that they knew I was there to help. Keep those doors closed in the summer!