We have been getting lots of “Are you OK” questions with the publicity about the flood damages in Vermont.  Fortunately we had several inches of rain but no water damage.  So we are fine, but could make do with a bit less rain.  Unfortunately lots of folks elsewhere in Vermont are dealing with major problems.

Our big challenge is dealing with the 90% crop loss from the freeze on May 18.  We will probably be open for two or possibly three weekends in September but not during the week because there will be so few apples.  We will definitely not be open Labor Day weekend September 2 & 3 because there are no Zestars, our earliest ripening apple.  We plan to have cider donuts on the limited weekends that we will be open.

As we get to the end of August we will know more about our schedule.  The most fruit is on the 80 year old Macintosh trees up near the road ,which have some apples – the cold air runs down hill where there are very few apples. Besides Macs, there are some Galas up near the road, and some late-ripening Crimson Crisp and Northern Spy’s.  What would have been a very good Honey-crisp crop essentially disappeared – the crows will probably get what is left.

There are two types of damage 1) many fewer blossoms set apples and 2) a lot of fruit that did set has frost rings and damaged fruit.  We have been using small clippers to thin the damaged fruit so the remaining apples can grow to better  size.

Fortunately the trees are all healthy (as are we) and we hope to have a good crop next year.  Hope all of you who suffered flood damage are finding your way forward.

Watch the web and Facebook for updates – be sure to check when we will be open before you come.