Bringing Back the Quality

Many people seem to think that not much is going on at the Garden Center in January, but that is simply not true. As a matter of fact, this month is buzzing with fruit tree sales, and for a good reason. People are starting to realize that landscapes are not just for looks anymore, they can also reap some major returns and benefits. Families are realizing how disconnected we have become with high quality, tree ripened fruit. Sadly, we now have multiple generations that have never had the opportunity to taste tree ripened fruit, and we wonder why adults and children just don’t like eating fruit anymore. The good news is that, because of the information age, people are realizing that growing fruit at home is not some long lost art. You don’t need a Doctorate to successfully grow fruit. This is something we have been doing since God created us.



Pommegranate fruit and flower



One of the major problems with the modern day commercial fruit system is that we have had to breed varieties that are shippable, and have really put quality on the back burner. Many types of fruit you buy in the stores today simply have  no flavor because they are picked premature and hard, stacked massively on top of each other, shipped and then shelved. The end result is a bland, nutrient deficient idea of what fruit are supposed to taste and be textured like. In tree ripe production, the fruit is allowed to fully ripen on the tree, providing superior nutrition, flavor, sugar content and a much more appeasing texture.

 

'Santa Rosa' Plum beginning to bloom



People have the misconception that edibles and ornamentals don’t go with each other. Whether you have a tiny yard downtown or a huge farm out in the country, edibles can be used in your landscape. Edibles can be just as beautiful as ornamentals, and will tie in to any landscape. Most landscapers and homeowners never grasp the concept of an edible landscape. Blueberries can make the most beautiful hedge with brilliant fall color. 

Persimmons are fun to take pics with!

Muscadines (grapes) or kiwis make beautiful vines on trellises or arbors. Peaches, plums, nectarines, apples and many  other kinds of fruit trees have just as many blooms as dogwoods and flowering cherries. They are some of the most beautiful spring flowering trees you will ever see. How about some Asian persimmons for fall interest with their stunning fall leaf color and beautiful orange-red fruit hanging on the tree in November? That would compete with any maple you have ever seen. 

  

Another major benefit to back yard orchard culture is the opportunity to fellowship with family and creation. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “I simply do not have time in my busy life.” While this may be true, I would first tell you that there are many types of fruit trees you can grow successfully with minimum care: mulberries, blueberries, blackberries, pecans, chestnuts, muscadines, pawpaws, Asian persimmons, figs and many others. Secondly, I would ask you, “At what cost?” Families have become so disconnected with the opportunity to get outside to enjoy fresh air and be stewards of the land with purpose and fellowship. Working in the yard, orchard or garden is more than just keeping it nice or growing your own high quality food. It is the opportunity to have a healthier family and life.

'June Gold' Peach begining to bloom

This can all seem overwhelming at times, but we now have access to studies and articles that allow us to see why it is so important to take some of these concepts into consideration. We are looking back at where we came from, where we are, and where we need to go. The edible landscape is not some new idea; it is something we have lost touch of. People are starting to realize the importance and purpose behind it, and we are seeing a transformation take place. Back yard orchards are a part of the future and definitely for a good reason.