Winter Means Pruning and Planning
The growing year begins in the coldest months when the trees are thoughtfully pruned. This handiwork is essential, for judicious pruning reduces conditions favorable to disease and allows more sunlight into the tree to ripen the fruit evenly.

Spring Means Planting and Pollinating
By mid-May, the orchard is a blanket of white and pink blossoms. The fragrance of apple, plum and peach nectars entices millions of wild bees to the orchard. Effective pollination is absolutely essential. So, just as the first blossoms begin to open we bring in about 75 hives to assist the native population of wild bees. Working through the night while the bees are calm, we strategically place the hives among the blossoming trees. The fate of the entire crop depends on a brief period of warm sun, windless days, and the diligence of the bees.

Summer Means Growing and Nurturing
Over the course of the growing season, young trees are carefully attended. To encourage fruit production, buds are pinched and branches tied. Using techniques similar to those used in training bonsai, young trees are bent during the early weeks of growth to promote branching.

Fall Means Harvesting and Storing
By summer's end, if nature has been good to us, there is a bountiful crop to harvest. Early September sees a dramatic change in the orchard. Each of more than fifty varieties of apples have been developing its characteristic snap, taste and color. The Russets are golden brown, the Mutsus are a blush red, the Galas are orange striped and the Pearmains are a deep purple-red. Each piece of fruit is picked by hand and each variety harvested at its peak of flavor. Harvesting goes on without a break until mid October when the last apple is picked. Gala and Jonagold, the softer and more perishable apples are part of our early crop. Later-maturing varieties such as the Russets and Fujis are our "winter keepers."