In Bloom

Loveliest of trees, the cherry now

Is hung with bloom along the bough,

And stands about the woodland ride

Wearing white for Eastertide.



    

     The orchards are beginning to bloom. There are not many orchards in Owyhee County, but I felt there were enough to give them a post. Though the above poem (by A.E. Housman) speaks of cherries, I'm not positive what sort of tree these are. Not that it really matters. What does matter, is that at this time, the orchard workers have been hard at work for a while already.

     These tenders of the trees of the artificial woodlands are actually quite common. But as their workplace tends to block the view, they are often difficult to see. Around this time the "limb" the trees. What that means is that they cut down the tree so that it grows in a shape that is optimal for harvest later in the year. So all the branches that are too high, or too close must go.

     Many of the houses in the county will have at least one fruit tree. These are peach trees, and, will begin bearing fruit soon. The peaches will ripen in mid to late summer, and will be canned, put in pies, eaten fresh, or some other use. Ultimately they're much tastier, and much cheaper than anything you can get in a store. If you don't have room for your own trees, I highly suggest that you visit one of the many fruit stands that the orchards have to sell their produce. Not only will you be getting better fruit, you'll be supporting the local economy. There's no downside!