Apples, pears, plums, and an espalier are arranged in a display of plants suitable for urban gardens. The Seattle Tree Fruit Society (STFS) is our partner organization in providing stewardship, fruit evaluations, and education. After fruit is evaluated, the harvest is donated to food banks. Education and work parties are coordinated with STFS.
History
The orchard began with grafting workshops in which dwarf apple and pear trees were prepared for the future orchard. The trees were placed in a temporary holding area of the P-Patch and were moved to the permanent orchard site when it was ready in the fall of 2003.
The orchard area was laid out in March 2003, the ground prepared, and irrigation was provided. Volunteers transplanted 28 apple trees, 9 pear trees, and 4 plum trees that had been grafted. Some of the plum trees were purchased.
In the spring of 2004, the trees blossomed and started to bear fruit. Only a few of the fruits were allowed to grow and ripen. In the early years, it is better to have energy spent on building up size rather than growing fruit.