not far from the tree

It has been a while since we have updated about Toronto’s first community orchard, at Ben Nobleman Park. Without further ado, let me share the good news!

This spring, the first nine trees were planted: three different varieties each of cherry, plum, and pear. A dedicated group of volunteers living close to the park have been quietly tending to these trees. It may be another year or two before the trees are robust enough to produce fruit, but in the meantime they need lots of watering to ensure they get established in their new home.

Most recently, four serviceberry trees (pictured above) were planted in another section of the park this September. These are a native variety of fruit-bearing shrub that the City regularly includes in their planting repertoire.

More fruit trees are expected in the spring of 2010, and before too long Not Far From The Tree will be helping coordinate the harvesting. The serviceberries will ripen in late June or early July of next year, so we can look forward to a harvest and celebration of some kind. Perhaps a breakfast picnic with serviceberries adorning our cereal?

Susan Poizner, the main force behind the community orchard and its organization Growing for Green, has been blogging about these developments. Read along at www.communityorchard.wordpress.com.