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PERIL OF HOPE
It is right in there
betwixt and between
The orchard bare
And the orchard green,
When the boughs are right
In a flowery burst
Of pink and white,
That we fear the worst
For there’s not a clime
But at any cost
Will take that time
For a night of frost.
-Robert Frost
CLOSED
for the season
Thanks!
August 2012
A night of frost.....
WE HAVE APPLES!
The hot weather in March pushed the apple trees into early growth. Bloom started late March and there were several hard freezes (mid 20’s) on April nights. Like many fruit growers in the Midwest we lost a significant percentage of this year’s crop. Most of the apples that survived are on the tops of the trees. Many have frost scars or were not completely pollinated. The summer’s extreme heat also left its mark on them-- sun scald, skin cracks, and unusual insect pest activity. The good news is the sweetness and depth of flavor we are finding in all varieties. They are ripening about two weeks ahead of a typical timetable. Quantities of all our fifty varieties are limited. We’re hoping to buy Midwest grown Honeycrisp to fill out our short crop.
Yes, there will be Honeycrisp caramel apples starting Labor Day weekend. Pumpkins and gourd are growing well and we expect to have a good display for the September 22nd weekend. We have fresh sweet cider made from the best of last year’s apples. We made a tough decision to limit our season hours to Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Please call ahead to make other arrangements.
This is our thirtieth year as apple keepers here at Hafs Road Orchard and we haven’t given up hope. Thanks to all who kept the orchard in their thoughts during this challenging growing season.
