The Next Generation of Gardeners

August 12, 2014 Once a week, about 22 kids march down NE 60th to help out at the orchard. They are second and third-graders from Kids Co. at McDonald Elementary. Vanessa is one of five adults accompanying them and these counselors control…
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An extra minute can mean a lot

July 3, 2014 Many thanks to Greg Meyer who spotted a shed for sale (see photo). Greg took an extra minute to write down the pertinent details and forward them to us. When the owner, Andy Farr, found out that it was for a community orchard,…

Persistence Pays

May 16, 2014 The photo shows new sprouting on this oak log that was cut last fall. It was a reject from the mushroom inoculation event because it was too small. It's still alive! That's persistent. Scientists please add to the conversation,…

The Bees Begin

April 2, 2014 Draping over the corner of the orchard is a giant weeping willow. It was in full bloom during the March 16 work party, with innumerable sparkling yellow catkins. The willow is an important source of pollen for bees because it…

Fruit Tree Pruning – Short-term Losses for Long-term Gains

Februrary, 26, 2014 On the cool Saturday morning of February 15, nine of us huddled around the multi-varietal pear tree. We listened closely, moving from tree to tree, absorbing as much information as we could during the comprehensive pruning…
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2014 – A Pivotal Year For The Orchard

02/07/2014 We are off to a good start, already we have one well attended and extremely productive work party under our belt (see photo). The City of Seattle funded community design process is behind us. We can now focus on implementing…
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The Orchard Year In Review

December 27, 2013 Congratulations to all of you for pulling off some terrific accomplishments this year. We hosted three parties, with more than 100 people attending each, showcased our trees during a pruning education class, and we are nearly…

I Have My Mushroom Log. Now What?

November 19, 2013 I am walking the neighborhood today, prying off flyers from telephone poles, recalling Sunday's crazed mushroom event at the orchard. There was generosity. Mark came and inoculated two logs that were each about six inches…

Curtains, please!

November 13, 2013 Freeway Estates Community Orchard Final Public Design Review Event Friday, November 15 7:00 -9:00pm at the Hearthstone Retirement Facility 6720 E Green Lake Way N (E Green Lake Way N and 1st Ave NE, just west…