Fruiting Orchard

So much of my attention has been focused on icehouse rehabilitation, that I’ve neglected timely fruiting updates from Rosslyn’s orchard.

The incessant rain (and the late frost that zapped the tomatoes) likely explain the absence of peaches. But several apple and pear varieties are ripening nicely. And, there are some exciting fruiting updates as well: plum and persimmon sighting!

Elusive Plums

Although we’ve been able to enjoy a few homegrown plums over the years, the four plum trees in Rosslyn’s orchard have consistently underperformed. And it’s looking like another skinny season. Nevertheless, there are a few plums fruiting in the mostly rain drenched, sun deprived orchard. Witness the almost crabapple-like plum above. (A photo of a yellow plum was too blurry to post.)

Persimmon Progress

And some — not many — persimmon are still plumping, fueling my hope that this will finally be the year that we enjoy homegrown persimmon.

The following from my earlier post:

There has been a natural thinning of the fruit, but no sudden shake off. I’m seeing this is as a positive development. Perhaps the still young trees are only capable of setting a few fruit at this stage. And so far they are doing so. The fruit or swelling. The largest we’ve ever had. Yes, still small. Not much larger than the end of my thumb. But they look like persimmons. Still green, but robust. They promise the pleasure of eating…

(Source: Persimmon Optimism)

And, as of today, one persimmon tree in particular is fruiting. A few swelling persimmons on another tree as well. Fingers crossed!

Apples Too

Although some apple trees were damaged by the frost, some are laden with young apples. I’m actually overdue for thinning yo avoid overburdening and breaking branches.

Perhaps in a week or three we’ll be able to sample the fruiting plums, persimmons, and apples. Until then, the blueberries and blackberries are delicious!