Today in the orchard
The honey bees are buzzing in the orchard. They have been gathering on the stumps of several freshly cut maples and oaks sipping on the sap. Way down in southern New England the Saucer Magnolias are in glorious bloom. Spring is creeping up the coast, but we probably shouldn’t hold our breath. It’ll come.
Dick Chase and John digging the Kavanagh tree
Skylar and I planted two apple trees and one pear this morning. Later she and Cammy took off a lot of tree guards. Dick Chase stopped by, and he and I dug a Kavanagh apple tree in memory of our mutual friend, Haas Tobey. Haas lived in Damariscotta only a few miles from where the Kavanagh originated about 200 years ago. (Unlike the Supreme Court Justice there is no “u” in Kavanagh.) Dick and other friends of Haas will plant the tree in Damariscotta.
Haas played an essential role in the creation of the Maine Heritage Orchard. He really threw himself into the project and contributed in many ways. He was one of those who helped design the original site plan and was there when we laid out the terraces. He helped with the plantings. He attended numerous orchard committee meetings over the years. There will be an official celebration of Haas’ life on May 3rd.
