This tree is special to us. It was under this tree that Mark and I said our wedding vows. Rest assured the pasture was much better manicured that day. But even in the wild throes of summer overgrowth, I love this spot. In early spring, the tree fills with beautiful, pale pink blossoms. We've always assumed it was a
crab apple tree, although it hasn't born any fruit in the past few years.
On our afternoon walk yesterday, rather than taking our usual route and sticking to the driveway, I let Kate wander at will, and of course, undeterred, she plunged straight off course into the pasture and headed for the tree.
And, as you can see, we made a very happy discovery! Apples! Granted, apples on an apple tree may not seem that big of a deal, but considering it has been at least three years since any fruit has hung from those branches, I was pretty excited. Earlier this year, a friend of ours whose grandfather owns an orchard in West Virginia came over for dinner, and upon looking at our tree, determined that, if properly pruned back, it would likely yield good regular sized apples (he doesn't think it's a crab apple tree). Mark has plans to do that in the fall, although honestly we know very little about fruit trees so some research is in order. I think it would be lovely to plant some more apple trees, perhaps a pear tree, and a fig tree. I know we wouldn't see the fruit for years, but still. Kate and baby boy Bumgarner would be able to enjoy them on down the road.
In any event, it was a perfect delight, just sitting under the tree with my little one, inhaling the intoxicating aroma of sweet, tart, wild apples. An ideal spot for an evening picnic. Duly noted.
This tree is special to us. It was under this tree that Mark and I said our wedding vows. Rest assured the pasture was much better manicured that day. But even in the wild throes of summer overgrowth, I love this spot. In early spring, the tree fills with beautiful, pale pink blossoms. We've always assumed it was a crab apple tree, although it hasn't born any fruit in the past few years.
On our afternoon walk yesterday, rather than taking our usual route and sticking to the driveway, I let Kate wander at will, and of course, undeterred, she plunged straight off course into the pasture and headed for the tree.
And, as you can see, we made a very happy discovery! Apples! Granted, apples on an apple tree may not seem that big of a deal, but considering it has been at least three years since any fruit has hung from those branches, I was pretty excited. Earlier this year, a friend of ours whose grandfather owns an orchard in West Virginia came over for dinner, and upon looking at our tree, determined that, if properly pruned back, it would likely yield good regular sized apples (he doesn't think it's a crab apple tree). Mark has plans to do that in the fall, although honestly we know very little about fruit trees so some research is in order. I think it would be lovely to plant some more apple trees, perhaps a pear tree, and a fig tree. I know we wouldn't see the fruit for years, but still. Kate and baby boy Bumgarner would be able to enjoy them on down the road.
In any event, it was a perfect delight, just sitting under the tree with my little one, inhaling the intoxicating aroma of sweet, tart, wild apples. An ideal spot for an evening picnic. Duly noted.
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