I’m excited about many aspects of our future, mature orchard. One of the things a lot of people probably wouldn’t consider is going to be the most life changing. I live in Wyoming. Windy, windy Wyoming. I also live surrounded by commercially farmed wheat fields. Wind and constantly plowed fields, not a good mix.
So what do I hope for? A plant filter. Dust is all consuming here. It seeps into the smallest crevices. Settles on every surface. Causes breathing problems and is just plain yuck!
I’m clearly a long way away from lush acreage.
My biggest hope is that the plants and trees that will cover our acreage will act as a living filter; stopping, collecting and keeping the topsoil blown to us by surrounding acreages. I can see some topsoil collection already in action, will take pictures when it’s not under snow. Speaking of the snow, it’s a great barometer for dirt. Our snow is quite brown, coated in topsoil from the surrounding areas.
These dogs don’t help.
Such a small thing to hope for if you live in a city, somewhere without wind or somewhere that just isn’t….here. It would be life changing for me. To wash the table and have it looking like I actually washed it. That would make me wonderfully happy.
I have seen a number of your posts on your orchard. My name is Marty I grew up in Powell and my back yard was a 10 acre apple orchard planted by my Great Grandfather. He used the proceeds of the orchard to build his home which was built in 1917. There was a variety of apples as well as plumbs and pie cherries. My Mom tells me she has been contacted by the Wyoming extension office for samples for a study.
Good to see your work.
Martin Snell
Thank you so much! I know there are a few old German orchards around Wyoming. It’s nice to know you are preserving one. I know another that was mostly cut down. Feel free to send me tips.