Spring is in the air - can you feel it in your neck of the woods?  Here in Central Virginia, the signs are everywhere - flowers blooming, birds singing, and children are playing outside.  What a great time of year!  It won't be long til you can again pick those luscious strawberries, delicious sweet cherries, and beautiful peaches and nectarines.   Read on to hear what is happening at Chiles Peach Orchard and Carter Mountain Orchard.....

Since we last saw you..... 

Lots of folks wonder what we do in the "slow" season.  Things are busy here year-round!  For best production, all the trees need to be pruned each year.  It takes us the entire winter and spring to get all the trees shaped up.  We also take time in the winter to repair buildings and equipment, and plant new trees.  Finally, we attend trade meetings and conferences to stay up to date with the newest technology and industry trends.  And before we can take breath, Spring is here!

One of the most spectacular sights in springtime is the gorgeous peach blossoms!  With the current warm weather, the trees have budded out!  We love this sign of spring; however, this means we start watching the weather forecast and the thermometer almost constantly.  For about the next 6 weeks, the buds and new fruit are very vulnerable to chilly (around 28 degrees and colder) nights.  There are some preventative measures we can take (wind machines, frost dragons), but it's mostly up to Mother Nature.

 

We are really looking forward to seeing you again this season.  Watch your e-mail for updated information, including opening dates for each orchard.   Happy Spring!!!

 

 

Carter Mountain Orchard