While up the picking ladder again this morning I contemplated our northern climate. We get quite the variety of winter weather here. I was feeling fortunate just to be able to grow soft fruit like cherries, peaches and apricots on the farm. Aunt Grace, from way down south, was really surprised to find out we could grow peaches this far north. I imagine she's not the only one. On the flip side, a few folks moving to Creston from further north were asking if we could grow bananas here. Sorry, it’s a nice climate but not that nice. Try the tropics! Tropical plants make nice houseplants. They don't require any “chilling time” over winter.

Pears have been cultivated in China for the last 3,000 years. Apples also hail from Asia. Peaches come from China via Persia (now modern Iran). Apricots have been cultivated for so long that even though their name suggests an Armenian origin, we aren't sure anymore.

But where do cherries come from? Apparently they also come from the Asia Minor region and their name is essentially derived from the name of the place (Cerasus) from which they were first shipped to Rome. Sour cherries are a different species than sweet cherries but they are both good for you. Over the years they have both been bred and cross-bred with other similar species to improve the yield, flavour and hardiness. My cherry trees come from the Summerland Research Centre. The variety Skeena was developed and released to orchardists in the late ’90s. They have excellent flavour, size and crunchiness. Cherries in general are rated as high in antioxidants, as well as vitamins A, B1, B2, C, niacin, calcium, phosphorus, iron and potassium. The antioxidants have some anti-inflammatory benefits and are especially good for people suffering from gout.

On a different note, remember with all this hot weather to give your new plants regular attention. Establishment can often take two years, so regular irrigation can go a long way in respect to plant health. Overwatering is more a function of too frequent rather than too much at any one time. So water thoroughly each time and allow the soil to dry between waterings. Monitor it often.

Enjoy the summer weather now that it's finally here. As for me, I'd best get back to the orchard.

Evan and Wendy Davies own Beltane Nursery at 2915 Highway 3 in Erickson.