The best time to plant a tree is ten years ago.
“The best time to plant a tree is ten years ago.”
I think that was a Chinese proverb, or maybe a nursery catalog slogan. There is truth to it none-the-less. It’s April and I would love to be biting into a juicy peach come July or maybe a sweet pear in late August, or apples in October. Only mature trees would oblige those wishes. However, if you didn’t think you’d long for that peach in ten years, back ten years ago, the second best time to plant a tree is today.
There’s so much to do around the house. The critical job this Easter afternoon was loading the drywall, insulation and, well, crap, onto the trailer bound for the dump. What a nasty job! I was almost glad Troy didn’t show up with the trailer until 5 p.m. That allowed me to accomplish other things first. I finally finally cut the last pieces of tile to finish up the shower. I also got several herb sprigs into the soil in their own little garden beds and planted the generously gifted rhubarb in its own bed too (thank you SO much Sally and Randy!) And, I planted two more trees.
I have longed to grow the wonderful orchard fruits that thrive here in the Northwest. Coming from the land of all-things-citrus, I don’t care about growing oranges, lemons, limes or grapefruit. Give me cherries, pears, plums and peaches! As I don’t want to shade out my whole yard with giant 12-foot tall trees, I have bought dwarf varieties. They claim a mature height of about five feet each. I figure that means they might stay under seven. Here’s what I’ve got so far:
Anjou pear… ripens mid-August to mid-September. Good for canning, desserts and eating fresh. (self fertile but best fruit set with Bartlett)
Ultra Dwarf Red Baron Peach… Ripens mid-July. Has double, deep red flowers and sets sweet juicy fruit. Best for: eating fresh, pies and baking, canning. (self-fertile)
Ultra Dwarf Bartlett Pear…ripens mid-July. Food for canning, desserts and eating fresh. Must be pollinated with most European (Anjou) or any Asian pear.
Combination Cherry bearing three different varieties: Royal Ann, Black Tatarian and Lapins.
The cherry and Bartlett I planted last weekend and the Bartlett is now in flower. The Cherry is about start. The Anjou and Red Barron were just bought and planted today. In ten years they should be truly lovely to behold. For now, I’ll be delighted to have a pear or two this summer. Probably small ones.
