There are
two old apple trees in close proximity to each other near the top of the sunny
side of the hill. It was reported to us, decades ago, that the larger tree was
a Northern Spy and the smaller a Winesap, but we’re not so sure. We don’t think
the larger is a Northern Spy, the smaller may be Winesap but maybe more likely it
could be a Baldwin, but we’re just uncertain as to what they are. The larger
tree split in half a number of years ago during a particularly strong storm and
is clinging to life and seems to be getting stronger. They both ripen in late
October and both are delectable.
There was a
marriage on that hill 30 years ago this 2014. It seems like yesterday that the
three happy and nimble farm children climbed the twisted old trees and tossed
the apples down to us; the children are all grown and gone now to eastern cityscapes.
Do they even remember those carefree times? These apple trees have likely been picked by
at least 3 different farm families. I don’t doubt that many a pie has been
baked with them in the same old kitchen filled with apple pie aroma on a chilly
but glorious autumn day.
It’s not
impossible for a standard apple tree to live for 300 years- which is quite
phenomenal! Can any apple tree grown today have a similar life expectancy? None
of us will be around to tell of it. I also know from experience, that it’s not
easy to get an apple tree to get to the point that you don’t have to worry about
them anymore, rabbits can destroy a young tree in one evening’s meal and borers
can decimate one.
