Apples And Grapes Grow Wild In The Forest

 Maple, Hawthorn, Cherry & Apple Trees

Apple growing is pretty common here in New York state. Our weather is just right for it, and our state is known for both, our apples and grapes. Both crops need the type of climate we have. In fact, the grapes are usually better tasting if we get a frost before they are harvested.

Wild Fox Grape Vine

Both fruits, apples and grapes grow wild around us in the state forest as well as on private properties. Not to mention the many varieties of berries and nuts. The birds feast on the berries and fruits before they are ripe. The deer get all the low apples and the ones that fall to the ground. Squirrels and chipmunks stow the nuts and probably some of the fruits, as well, away for their winter meals.

Apples on new trees!

So for me to be able to harvest any of them after they are ripe is amazing with all that competition. This year I am going to do my best to get a decent harvest from the apple trees and the berry bushes. I want to can those for our winter fruit supply. I love looking around and seeing all this food growing. All I have to do is harvest it. Then can or dry it. Having those jars of food on my shelves gives me a feeling of security. Not to mention the feeling of pride when I grow it or harvest it from the forest.

Copyright © 2011 Kathleen G. Lupole
All Photographs Copyright © 2011 Kathleen G. Lupole

Changes Take Time On Your Homestead

 Our road in June in front of the paddock.

When we first moved here to Peaceful Forest, as I have told many times on here before, the forest came right up to our house. No yard to speak of. Well, maybe out front. But absolutely no backyard. I planted my first garden in the front yard. My husband cleared the land, more and more each year. The area where the paddock is now was the first major clearing.

 In front of the paddock after the tornado May 2000.

The year we had the tornado hit us, 2000, actually was a blessing in disguise. We hadn't even been here a year yet. It took down over 300 trees on our very small piece of property. So we had a major part of the clearing done. Just had to be cut up for firewood.

 In front of the paddock July 2001.

So we basically had no trees left along the front of the paddock. The horses really had lost most of their shade except for the big maple tree that still stands.

 The same area this year!

In the recent years though, we started noticing these little trees that were coming up. Last year, I really noticed that they were taking shape and looked good. This year though, they really took off.

 Oak tree in same area.

Oak is one of the trees we can see making a come back through out our forest and surrounding area. We have a lot of oak and elm. Before that we had more than enough cherry, poplar and spruce. It changes over a period of time.

 Apple, Maple, Elm, Cherry, Hawthorn and Oak Trees

Things change after time in and around the forest. One day you notice a tiny tree and then not too many years later, you see it is shaping up and becoming a landmark. These little apple trees along the fence line here, have apples this year for the first time.  Nice considering we did not plant them!

 Copyright © 2011 Kathleen G. Lupole
All Photographs Copyright © 2011 Kathleen G. Lupole