Our nursery personnel unloaded all sorts of fruit trees and berry bushes. Blueberries, figs, grapes, blackberries, raspberries, Chinese chestnuts, peaches, pears, apricots, persimmons, paw paws, apples, plums, nectarines and some fruits that don't come to mind have been unloaded, signed and organized in our nursery. I spoke to two of the guys that work in that department, and they seemed pretty excited about the delivery.
Scott Carbone mentioned the new Saturn Donut Dwarf Peach. I've seen these at the fresh markets, but haven't tried any yet. According to information from Hollybrook Orchards, one of our growers, and Mother Earth News, they have a very sweet white flesh, aren't too fuzzy, and pit removal is easy. They are prolific bloomers and set about twice the fruit as an average peach tree. Sounds like a wonderful addition to the home orchard.
Jack Quinn mentioned the hardy figs. Most of us know the variety Brown Turkey, but we're becoming familiar with Celeste, Italian Everbearing and Peter's Honey Fig. All of them may need some protection from winter wind and cold. The extra effort is worth the promise of a good harvest of delectable fruits.
Last year saw the introduction of a new blueberry called Pink Lemonade. The bush blooms pink in the spring, bears firm, pink berries in the summer and has attractive orange-red foliage in the fall. I hear this plant is as ornamental as the fruit is delicious.
Most of the trees we recieved this week are dwarf or semi-dwarf, making them ideal for the average yard. Many can also be cultivated in pots. All are tagged and signed to make selecting the perfect fruit tree or berry plant easy.
