An exciting event that happens every year at our orchard is tree planting. Our two little guys love planting so much that if we happened to miss it, it would be like missing the 4th of July fireworks– only worse!
Every year when the new trees arrive I wonder how those “sticks” will ever grow the luscious branches that produce juicy fruit! But somehow they always do end up growing and survive even the rough handling of our boy’s helping hands!
This spring our boys are older and able to “help” out a little more, instead of getting in the way. Through watching them, I’ve begun to appreciate all the benefits that growing up on an orchard will mean for their future. They are learning so many things at a young age– how plants grow, how to care for the soil and best of all, that work can be so fun it’s hard to tell that it’s not play!
Through living on a multi-generation orchard, my boys are learning invaluable social skills. Whether it be through telling great grandpa Allen about their day, checking bug traps with grandpa Ed or giving their uncle Eric a piece of their mind about how things should be done, the relationships they are building are sure to impact their lives and worldview in the future!
It’s not every kid that gets to spend a whole afternoon working with their dad on the job!
As my boys learn new things about the orchard and get an opportunity to “help,” I see them blossom with a sense of accomplishment and pride. Especially our two year old! Even though he doesn’t talk much yet, his big grin as he places the trees in the holes says everything– “look what I can do mom! I’m a big boy too!”
I apologize if my reminiscing is making you jealous to live on an orchard! It really is great– and that’s part of the experiences we hope to share with our customers every time you come for a visit. It’s my hope that every time you and your family come to pick fresh fruit, feed our goats, or visit our farm market, you will get a taste of what it’s like to be on a family orchard and all the experiences that entails!
As spring planting finishes up, I’m looking forward to the new growing season! I can’t wait to bite into a ripe juicy strawberry and smell the peaches ripening on the trees– I hope you can come and join us too and build some family memories of your own! See you soon!
