PHASE II COMPLETE

Mike has decided to cut back on the mowing here at the farm, so we’re experimenting with a few ideas. This is not a new dilemma. My dad also tried to simplify the yard.  

Mike suggested that we develop a “mini orchard” between the house and the grove. I’m all for it. If you know the yard as it used to be, my dad didn’t mow that area either. Grandma Ina had two pie cherry trees and a pear tree there. The old pear tree remains, but the cherry trees were lost when we remodeled the house – a disappointment. Mike said we could think about this idea, but I said that if we think about it, another year will slip by. We should get started, I said, and apples would be my choice. We already have a “honey crisp” there, but while looks healthy, it doesn’t bear. I think it needs a pollinator. And besides, Hallie and Nick are coming for Memorial Day, and I know they would love to help with the planting.

So, that brings me to Tuesday, May 25. We had to go back to town for food and supplies before Memorial Day, so as we drove in, we stopped at Green Things, the nursery on Riverside (Orofino). They weren’t open, but we peeked at the trees anyway, finding several apple varieties with reasonable pricing. Checking in town, we found the stock low and pricey -- $99 for a Granny Smith!

At the house, we found that the painter had finished, so Mike called the carpet company, and they said that our carpet was in and our job was scheduled for the next two days. Wow! We were so grateful we were in town and could deliver a key to them. Great timing, for once! So, the contractors work will be finished this week, and ours will begin again.

We bought groceries, picked up things at the house, loaded baskets, coolers, boxes, and our new porch rocker into the back of the big old pick-up, and set off for the farm, stopping once again at Green Things where Mr. Mount, the nurseryman, recommended a dwarf Emerald apple tree as a disease resistant pollinator. Mike suggested we buy another variety as well, and we chose the dwarf Freedom. Mr. Mount said that both trees should bear fruit next year. Oh, I do hope so, and maybe the Honey Crisp, too.

But – in our haste at the town house, we walked off without some things we’d like to have, so we’re going back today (Thursday, May 27). We'll carry back a half load of pine firewood from the lifetime supply in the barn, KW