Orange Blossom Special is not only one of the most famous Bluegrass songs of all times but a good reminder of how fabulous it is to be walking by a citrus in bloom and get the sweet scent as a surprise gift.
Monthly Archives: April 2012
Orange Blossom Special
Posted in Edibles in the Landscape, Food Hedges, Newsblog
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Special Handling on the Acorns – New Oak Trees
We carefully collect acorns to grow up to sizes for people to purchase and plant so that they can have more oaks trees on their property. Acorns planted would do the job if those busy critters don’t munch your tree as a snack. The Quercus lobata or Valley Oak and the Quercus agrifolia or Coast Live Oak are both fairly fast growing oak trees. The Q. douglasii or Blue Oak though is slow growing. We have some that are crossed in nature with the Valley Oak and it is much faster growing (than straight Blue Oak) called Jolon Oak. It is CUTE!
Posted in Native Plants, Newsblog, Our Farm
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Starting Fruit Trees – Most are Grafted
We all can graft our own trees and the local chapters of California Rare Fruit Growers will help you by making available way more varieties than you could ever need and will show you how to graft your own with several workshops per year. Here at Main Street Trees we offer some fruit trees that are grafted and some that are not. Some are of a large size and already had yummy fruit last year. If you are in a hurry for fruit you can buy a tree that already has a nice shape started and will probably have fruit this year. If you are not in a hurry, you can graft a branch onto a tree you have or start your own rootstock and make a fruit cocktail tree. Grow short trees or bushes and you can reach all the fruit without a ladder. Grow fruit close together through pruning have smaller plants and more variety of fruit to harvest over the year. More different varieties in smaller spaces can provide you with more food security. Fresh local food – your back yard!
Posted in Edibles in the Landscape, Food Hedges, Newsblog
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Frost Covers – Almost time to put them away.
We pull the frost covers over to the side when it does not look like we expect frost. We enjoy growing citrus fruit and take the trouble to give them a bit of protection from the coldest nights. Citrus can be grown in a sunny spot next to your house so it will get both the sunshine needed to ripen the fruit and some warmth that leaks from the house at night. Many parts of our area grow fantastic citrus fruit and if your place has both frost protection and lots of sunshine be sure to feed well and often. If your garden has snails or slugs you will know by the holes munched in the leaves. Right now there are fragrant white flowers on the citrus – -what a dreamy smell.
Posted in Edibles in the Landscape, Food Hedges, Newsblog
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Gift Certificates – Give a TREE
Consider a gift certificate. The recipient can choose the gift that best suits their situation. Fruit trees are often given as gifts and remember, it is a gift that keeps on giving!
We grow Native Trees
Thanks Rob! We love our new sign.
Posted in Native Plants, Newsblog, Our Farm
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Fruit Trees – Container trees can be planted most of the Year
Any time of the year is okay to plant fruit trees that are already growing fine in a container. Of course, fall, winter and spring are easier than summer. Some fruit trees grow with little care and some need you to look after their special needs (but having your favorite fruit makes it worthwhile). Spring flowers, even with too much rain give you hope and dreams of future bowls of sweet juicy fresh delights. This picture is of a Santa Rosa Plum.
Posted in Newsblog
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Tree Gate
This piece of art will greet you at Main Street near Pueblo. It was made from Corten steel and crafted by a young talent named Andrew using a picture of Valley Oak, Quercus lobata taken here in Napa.
Acorn crop – Looking Good – Coast Live Oaks
Coast Live Oak tiny trees are growing into their gray tree tubes. Air pruning and ribs will keep the roots in the best condition for easy transplanting. Acorns are carefully collected from choice trees and sorted to remove those that don’t make the cut. Store them in a secure package in the fridge until it is time to plant them. Watch them carefully because nature’s critters would love to swipe your seeds before you know it. Coast Live Oaks, also known as Quercus agrifolia, are a real favorite native tree to plant. It is an evergreen so leaves are present year round and can give a nice sense of privacy and security. Oaks are a valued tree and this one grows in many different soil types and in many locations in Napa.
Small Apple Trees in Bloom
We grow lots of different apple varieties. Some scion are available for grafting and with apples, it is easy to have good success. Choose your apple variety carefully! You can choose for color, sweetness, tartness, early ripening, great for cooking, crunchiness and some keep well in storage for months. Grow what you really like and when possible, try attending an apple tasting. Some of our apple trees are young and ready to be shaped to fit your space. Tall, short, flat, espaliered, multi-variety……. We can help you choose great trees.
Posted in Edibles in the Landscape, Food Hedges, Newsblog
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