I love my apple trees.
Twenty-two years ago we planted four apple trees. Over the years, I believe we may have only harvested an apple or two each season.
We never really understood why.
Now we know!
They didn't have a 'cultivator!'About five years ago, we planted an espalier apple tree... Who would have known that this nifty little tree would be such a Casanova!Since the addition of this tree to the yard, our apple trees have been making apples by the bushel! The last three years have been a boon... we can't keep up with all the peeling!
...and that's a good thing!
This year, the harvest is a little weaker than usual, but still pretty good... Hubby says they need pruning... I know that he's right... just hope it doesn't hurt too much ;o)
* * *Additional photos added after collecting ground apples today!
5:14pmThree lil' ones I found... The one I'm holding won
the smallest apple contest ;o)...Oh! A real beauty...
...No... wait...I think a squirrel got here first...
This really is the back of the apple above!
They must know the best apples too!
* * *And then she said: " This one's just right!"
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the give and take of getting things done
17 hours ago
remember when my apple tree was so small and tiny... but yet, it bore the first fruit,.
ReplyDeleteWell Maria,
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking applesauce, apple crisp, apple pie, baked apples, etc, etc, etc...
Oh Maria, I am so excited that you beat the squirrels to the apples! I envisioned this woman running around the yard trying to tackle the apples before the squirrels got them! I wish you could share!
ReplyDeleteLove Di
Nature is so incredible. Being a city boy, there is a whole world I know nothing about.
ReplyDeleteWell... taking a break from the apples... I'm adding a couple more pics of what I collected so far... and can now finally mow the lawn under the trees! I hope some neighbors venture over to take home a bag or two! Wish I could pass some out to everyone here!
ReplyDeleteOne thing we did last year that I will definitely repeat:
We peeled & sliced apples, added the flour, sugar & cinnamon...baked for about 5 mins and froze for holiday pies. (Measure right amount in a pie plate, then freeze in gallon ziplocks) Worked out great... only had to make the crust and bake on Thanksgiving eve!
Thanks for stopping by today~ Maria
Wow you have been a very busy bee too! Are you going to bake apple pie with them? Make apple sauce? You're making my mouth water. Apple pie is what makes me come to terms with Fall! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI would love apple sauce!
ReplyDeletePlease explain,
They didn't have a 'cultivator!'
How does that work? Thanks.
Love your trees! My grandmother has a single apple tree in her yard, and it bears tons of sweet apples almost every year. Aren't there certain varieties that are self-pollinating? I have some of my grandmother's apples in my freezer, and after reading your post, I think I need to make an apple cobbler!
ReplyDeleteI know... I had to read about it.
ReplyDeleteAfter I told my neighbor, the plant expert, how all of a sudden our apple trees were making apples galore, (we thought maybe it was the weather ;o) He said, have you planted any other apple or crabapple trees?
(Did that make sense? I'm still working on figuring it out myself ;o)
God's plan for nature is pretty amazing!
I'm glad the bees know what they're doing...
How exciting to see what you plant produce so much offerings. Make room for the apple sauce and apple pie!! I LOVE the last photo.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for stopping by my little blog. I greatly appreciate it my friend.
Have a golden day! xoxo
You really were busy picking up apples today Maria...I was here earlier, but my grandchildren popped in and had to leave befor commenting. Did you leave any for the squirrels?
ReplyDeleteGreat post for Sept. 1...Love love fresh apples right off the tree! Yours look amazing! Thank you for your lovely comments you left on my blog...and happy first day back to school to you
ReplyDeleteMaria, Oh the sweet memories of apple picking. Thank you for reminding me of the joy of my home country, especially as we begin our move back.
ReplyDeleteBlessings from the mission field,
Sarah Dawn