Summer Abundance

What a gift our farm has given us! We have been enjoying the most delicious fruit from our trees as we experience our first harvest here. The cherries came in first with three trees that ripened one at a time. We (with a tall ladder) and the birds (without a ladder) managed to consume nearly everything, with only a few portions going into the freezer for the winter.
The yellow plums came in next, along with the figs, which we enjoyed fresh and in delicious baked goods. We also endeavored to learn how to make preserves, which was easier than we expected and more delicious as well.
Right now, we are almost done picking the black plums which are small and tasty enough to eat by the dozen.
Over the months we have been here, Craig's hard work in the orchard cutting back the blackberries that had covered several trees has certainly paid off. And we certainly have no shortage of blackberries in more preferable locations left to enjoy. We are so thrilled to be experiencing this bounty, and hope to plant more fruit trees in the coming years.

Spring has Sprung

And suddenly everything is blooming. Grasses are green and the forest floor is now lush. Flowers are popping up everywhere and the orchard trees have come to life. The air smells sweet and bees are hard at work buzzing audibly near any mass of flowers. The resident chipmunks have come out from their winter home having added two new members to their family. We have been enjoying regular visits from a bunny, some racoons, and many new types of birds who have come to call at the feeders. It is such a joy to be surrounded by such a grand celebration of the rejuvenation of spring.

Seedlings

It's planting time!

Craig went down to Aurora and purchased about 250 noble fir seedlings. Over the last several years as the previous owner of our farm aged, there were very few seedlings planted so we are trying to bring it back up to higher production. These seedlings are called 1+1, as they are two years old, having spent their first year in a tray in a greenhouse and their second outside in the ground. They are sold in large bags (we bought 2 bags) of bare root trees that have been kept at very cool temperatures to remain dormant until they are replanted.

We were told of some of the trickier aspects of planting nobles, such as how important it is for the hole to be dug deep enough so their roots will be loose and straight down into the soil, rather than balled up under the seedling, which tends to cause death a couple years down the road. Craig got to work in the rain, digging and planting sometimes up to as many as 30 in a day. It was a lot of work and we have heard that mortality can be very high, especially if the summer is very hot and dry. In the end Craig planted about 220 of the baby trees and we will be happy if we get at least 50 or so that mature successfully. Time will tell and no matter what happens, we will have learned a lot from our first year of planting.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Wow, what a winter we are having! It is beautiful up here, but the roads up the hill are not for the faint of heart (or those without tire chains). We will be open through Christmas Eve if you are still planning to brave the ice and snow, but it's probably a safer bet to stay cozy at home. If you do head this way, come prepared... I think there is still a foot and a half of snow on the ground, although we have forged some trails hiking around, and Craig plowed our driveway.

Warmest wishes for a happy holiday season and we hope to see you next year!

We are open for the 2008 holiday season!

Corner Crest Natural Farm is a small, family run business that offers naturally grown noble firs for sale during the Christmas season. We are very happy to be the new owners of this delightful farm and will continue with the Christmas tree farming practices of the previous owner. He cared for this land for the past 30 years or so, raising the trees as nature intended, without sprays or shaping.

The U-Cut experience we offer has a rustic feel... walk along the hillside, enjoy the view, and select a tree with character that you like, whether it is 3 feet tall or 30 feet tall. There is a little Charlie Brown in a lot of our trees, so if you don't find what you are looking for, you can head down the hill just a bit to Loch Lolly Tree Farm who has a more predictable selection. We appreciate your visit either way!
Our nobles are healthy and beautiful, perfect for a traditional Christmas.