Planting the Apple Tree

We decided it would be nice to have an apple tree. Yes, we know it's a lot of work. And yes, we know that generally they require a lot of pesticides, but we're going to try and do it as organically as possible - even if that means tying little bags around each apple bud to keep the pests out. (Don't laugh - we saw a show on this once on PBS or something!) And again, yes, we know that in order to get apples, you have to have at least 2 apple trees (for pollination reasons), and we'll be planting the other apple tree after the next apple season so we can sample other apples and see which kind we want. This little apple tree is a dwarf Cortland. If all goes to plan, we still won't have apples on it until Fall of 2012. Dan and Sebastien were troopers on Saturday when they planted the tree. It was cold and pouring rain but they got the job done. Sebastien loved playing outside in the cold rain (such a boy!) but also loved coming in to the hot bath and lunch mommy had waiting for him.

Below: Dan & Sebastien show us the tree, which is in the bucket on the wagon. Below: Off to the tree site!

Below: in the ground!
I realize I should have posted a "final" picture, but did I mention it was pouring rain? I'll post one soon on a nicer day. Oh, and I see you noticed our VERY dead grass in the front yard. Dan was hoping it would come back this year after last year's drought, but it doesn't look like it will. Last night we placed on order for grass seed that does well in dry areas. We'll see how that does.

Below: This picture is actually from Sunday (Easter), but it's Sebastien showing us the Easter Eggs that Dan dyed.

Below: While Sebastien was outside planting the apple tree, Genevieve got to play with her "new" toy (a teaset that I saved from Christmas presents) without Sebastien stealing it.