2022
Apple trees in Appalachia are an example of an exotic species, which rather than an invasive species, does not demonstrate domination of the landscape. They were introduced from Europe a few hundred years ago and adopted by the Cherokee people. The Cherokee planted many apple trees and developed some of their own varieties, including one given the name Junalaska for Chief Junalaska. The apple tree originated in Kazakhstan and was said to spread from there with the assistance of the horse, who carried the seeds across the desert. The seeds of the apple could not survive the belly of the camel. Now, horses and apples coexist in this Appalachian apple orchard.
What else grows here? Fescue, a grass from Europe. Sumac, a native shrub with bright red leaves. Black walnut, a native tree. Black locust, a native legume. And the forest is growing up all around the orchard. Sturdy oaks, wild cherries, red maples and black birches tower over the orchard edge, which has been maintained for approximately the last 250 years with human and machine labor. The bears and the deer have begun to visit. Humans are still here.
Fall 2023
Following the deer, David picks up good apples for crushing and pressing into juice. Later this Fall or Winter he will cut out the dead branches from the center of the tree. This will support air flow and reduce disease pressure. In late winter he will take cuttings, graft these beautiful red and yellow apples, and plant them for future generations to enjoy.
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Oct 6th, 2023
Here we climb an old apple tree together that was planted on a nearby bald, using a bittersweet vine to climb. This lovely elder friend is supported by a dead locust tree and still reproduces generously. We shake her fruits down.
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