Author Archives: Patty Doll

Mother Nature has teased us this past few days. We’ve had temperatures in the 70’s with brilliant sunshine. Working in the orchard felt great, no layers of coats, gloves or insulated work boots. Great progress was made in finishing pruning, … Continue reading →

Another factor that should be considered when selecting and planting fruit trees is your climate zone. Fruit trees normally are winter hardy. Apple trees can generally withstand temperatures as low as twenty-five degrees BELOW zero. Peach trees on the other … Continue reading →

As we enter the month of February, the days seem to be just a little bit longer and with more sunshine, a little bit brighter. Spirits rise as another Spring approaches. With Spring comes the urge to get outside, work … Continue reading →

This past week we are having a short respite from the tedious chore of pruning apple trees. A major winter storm dumped ten inches of snow. Deep drifts from the gusty northeastern winds along with single digit temperatures have kept … Continue reading →

Dropping temperatures, snow showers and cold northerly winds have ushered in Old Man Winter. The apple and peach trees have dropped their leaves which signals the trees have entered dormancy. Dormancy is period of rest that fruit trees enter to … Continue reading →

It’s been a blur these past four months. Here it is the middle of November and finally getting back to adding updates. We’ve had a whirlwind of a fruit season, picking fruit every day from the 4th of July until … Continue reading →

Everything here at the orchard seems to be off to a great start of fruit development. The blackberries had a heavy bloom and with continued rainfall, there will be an abundant crop of berries. Peaches are in the stage of … Continue reading →

According to German folklore there is always a danger of frost until the “Iceman Days” have passed. The “Iceman Days” are May 11th, 12th and 13th and even though the temperatures did become somewhat cooler during those three days we … Continue reading →

There is nothing more beautiful than an apple orchard in full bloom. Our orchard did not disappoint this year as it was outstandingly beautiful with the vibrancy of the blossoms, a blue sky as its backdrop and brilliant sunshine. Full … Continue reading →

It’s been a long pruning season but finally after hundreds of labor hours spent pruning the fruit trees, we have been able to put the equipment away for another year. With limited fruit production last year, the trees put their … Continue reading →