Our very first cherry pick!
Jul 2nd, 2008 by Laura Reinsborough
This evening marks the very first cherry pick for not far from the tree, in addition to it being our very first residential pick. Nine of us picked two trees for almost three hours and still there were many left on the branches! We were able to harvest quite a bit, and tomorrow morning we’ll supply 1/3 of it to a local shelter, NaMeRes.
There was so much for us to learn as we embarked on this evening’s journey. I spent much of the day gathering equipment for tonight’s pick, and much of it was useless for cherries. But the team of volunteers who showed up were enthusiastic, creative, and nimble, and the fruit tree owner was generous with her understanding and support. We quickly found solutions to the snags in our plan, including the borrowing of ladders from two neighbours. Here’s a quick rundown of what we’ve learned about urban cherry picking:
Things to coordinate with the fruit tree owner:
- location of nearest compost bin
- ensure one or two ladders are on-site (may have to arrange borrowing from neighbour)
- location of nearest compost bin
- ensure one or two ladders are on-site (may have to arrange borrowing from neighbour)
Things to buy/bring for next time:
- headlamps for evening picks
- outdoor broom and dustpan
- more reused plastic bags or boxes for storage
- package of brown paper lunch bags for volunteers to take home their share
- lined canvas bags that can strap to tree or around body
Note: Aerialists are always welcome to help pick fruit from tall trees!
Congratulations! Sounds and looks like fun was had by all. This blog is a great idea! The links are really useful. Good work!
Tracy
This is such a great venture you’re doing. Too bad I’m not in Toronto this summer to participate in all the fun! Mmmm cherries, my favourite!
Looking forward to seeing ‘not far from the tree’ grow!
I am so happy for every one. You guys are phenomenal! True gifts – and the climbers – How about retrofitting those travel pouches with the wide buckle – with those “reusable” grocery bags. Cut slits into them like a belt? How can it be work when it is so good?
Wow. I leave town for barely 48 hours and all the fun begins. Any chance of you bringing a few of those cherries along tomorrow ?
[...] We harvested cherries from four trees on three properties yesterday, our first harvest of the season. In the short walk between those three properties, dozens more ripe cherry trees could be found. To make things full circle from last year, the first two cherry trees we picked from this year were the same two that we first ever picked! [...]