Keeping the Doctor(s) Away

The tiny tree adorned with brilliant red apples did not bear any fruit last year. It has always lagged behind its neigboring tree (extra photo) in height and fecundity, and Cynthia wanted to consign it to the composting bin. I reminded her that there had been a shortage of bees, and perhaps the flowers hadn't been pollinated.

She agreed to my plea to give the tree a one-year reprieve. It didn't disappoint us, even though its productivity was dwarfed by the the bigger tree. Prior to taking the photo, I'd only picked half a dozen of the small red apples. I harvested about 60 pounds/27 kilos from the other tree. The bucket was filled twice!

The larger apples aren't as pretty, but they are very juicy and flavorful. We will eat some, make lots of applesauce, and share with our neighbors.