So many delicious fruits are growing here at my Bedford, New York farm.
Fresh fruit is one of nature's most delicious products. This summer, we've already picked boxes and boxes of raspberries, blueberries, and cherries, but all the others - the peaches, apricots, apples, pears, and quinces are developing so nicely. Here at Cantitoe Corners, I have an orchard around my pool filled with a variety of more than 200 different fruit trees. I also have fruits growing on espaliers and in groves - those I've planted, and those that are original to the farm. I can't wait to harvest the next bounty of sweet and organic fruits.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
This orchard surrounds three sides of my pool. Many of the trees here were bare-root cuttings that we nurtured in pots before planting.
We have many, many fruits growing – in part because of the nutrient-rich soil. We have a variety of apple trees, plum trees, cherry trees, peach trees, apricot trees, nectarine, pear, medlar, and quince trees. I am very fortunate to have such an expansive paddock space to grow all these trees.
When choosing to grow fruit stock, it is important to select those that are best for your area’s climate and soil. Look closely and see this peach tree laden with growing fruits.
We have beautiful peaches! Some of the peach varieties include ‘Garnet Beauty’, ‘Lars Anderson’, ‘Polly’, ‘Red Haven’, and ‘Reliance’.
Peach trees thrive in an area where they can soak up the sunshine throughout the whole day. It prefers deep sandy well-drained soil that ranges from a loam to a clay loam.
Growing peach trees are self-fruitful, which means that pollen from the same flower or variety can pollinate the tree and produce fruit, so it is okay to plant just one. I have more than 15-peach trees in this orchard.
I also planted many types of Asian pear, Pyrus pyrifolia, which is native to East Asia. These trees include Hosui, Niitaka, Shinko, and Shinseiko. Asian pears have a high water content and a crisp, grainy texture, which is very different from the European varieties.
Some of the other pears in the orchard are ‘Bartlett’, ‘Columbia’, ‘D’Amalis’, ‘Ginnybrook’, ‘McLaughlin’, ‘Nova’, ‘Patten’, ‘Seckel’, ‘Stacyville’, and ‘Washington State’.
Fruit trees need a good amount of room to mature. When planting, be sure to space them at least 15-feet apart. The trees are staked for added trunk support. The stakes also protect them from mowers and weed whackers.
This is a medlar, Mespilus germanica – a small deciduous tree and member of the rose family. The fruit is small, about one to two inches in diameter, and ranging in color from rosy rust to dusty brown. Medlars are native to Southwestern Asia and Southeastern Europe. The fruits have to be eaten when almost rotten in a process called “bletting”. And, because of this, they either have to be eaten right off the tree or picked early and put aside for a few weeks to blet. The medlar is very pulpy and very sweet. Its taste is similar to an overripe date with a flavor similar to toffee apples or apple butter.
This is a plum. My plum varieties include ‘Green Gage’, ‘Mount Royal’, ‘NY9’, and ‘Stanley’. I also grow various plum hybrids, such as ‘Black Ice’, ‘Grenville’, ‘Kaga’, ‘Pipestone’, ‘Toka’, and ‘Waneta’.
And of course, I have a section of delicious apples. I already grow hundreds of apple trees here at the farm – some that were here when I acquired the property and others I planted soon after moving here. These newer apple trees include: ‘Baldwin’, ‘Black Oxford’, ‘Cortland’, ‘Cox’s Orange Pippin’, ‘Esopus Spitzenburg’, ‘Fuji’, ‘Golden Russet’, ‘Grimes Golden’, ‘Honeycrisp’, ‘Liberty’, ‘Redfield’, ‘Roxbury Russet’ ‘Windham Russet’, and more.
Outside my stable in front of the peafowl and pigeon pens, I have this espalier of pear trees. Espalier refers to an ancient technique, resulting in trees that grow flat, either against a wall, or along a wire-strung framework. Many kinds of trees respond beautifully to the espalier treatment, but fruit trees, like apple and pear, were some of the earliest examples. And, because necessary sunlight reaches every piece of fruit that these trees bear, espalier pruning remains standard procedure at commercial orchards in France.
Last year, we planted six ‘Shinseiki’ and four ‘Nijisseiki’ pear trees. ‘Shinseiki’ Asian pear means “new century” and was developed from two of the best Asian pears of the 1940s. The ‘Shinseiki’ Asian pear is round, medium to large, yellow smooth-skinned fruit with little or no russet. It has crisp, creamy white flesh, and a mild, sweet flavor. The ‘Nijisseiki’ pear, or the 20th Century Asian pear as it is often called, is incredibly delicious, easy to grow, and smells just like a pear, but, like an apple, the outside of the fruit is crisp, firm and round.
Here is a closer look at some of the growing fruits. I am so pleased with how these pear trees are growing and producing.
If you follow this blog regularly, you know I always have many, many blueberries. We still have lots more to pick.
Plump, juicy, and sweet, with vibrant colors from red to the deepest purple-black. I love to use blueberries for jams, jellies, and pies, but they’re also wonderful with cereal, in pancakes and cobblers, and of course, in handfuls on their own.
These bushes are so full! Bunches are hanging from nearly every branch. I grow many blueberry varieties, including ‘Bluegold’, ‘Chandler’, ‘Darrow’, ‘Jersey’, and ‘Patriot’.
On one side of the old corn crib are just a couple of my many quince trees. Are you familiar with quince? Quince is a fall fruit that grows in a manner quite like apples and pears, but with an unusually irregular shape and often gray fuzz.
The fruits are still small, but will grow twice this size and turn a golden yellow when ready to pick in autumn.
Nearby is one of the original apple trees on the farm. These old trees still produce an abundance of fruit.
Here’s another one outside my studio not far from my dwarf apple espalier.
Apple trees need well-drained soil – nothing too wet. The soil also needs to be moderately rich and retain moisture as well as air.
My dwarf apple espalier is also doing so well. The principle behind espaliering a tree is simple. Plants have a main growing point or stem, known as a leader. If you remove this leader, shoots emerge from buds found on the sides of the stem, and below the cut. The best side shoots are chosen to guide and train them to create the boughs of the espalier tree. The topmost shoot becomes the new leader and, will eventually become the trunk.
We should have a great apple season – look at all these fruits. When selecting a place to plant an apple tree, choose a north- or east-facing slope.
Across the carriage road is my espalier of Malus ‘Gravenstein’ apple trees. I love this crisp and juicy apple, an antique variety, which is wonderful to eat and great for cooking and baking.
These ‘Gravenstein’ apples will mature with a delicately waxy yellow-green skin with crimson spots and reddish lines. Some may also be all red. What fruits do you grow? Let me know – I love hearing from you.
My flower cutting garden continues to produce beautiful blooms.
This cutting garden has developed so much over the last few years. I enjoy comparing its progress from year to year, and seeing where I need to add more plants to improve the display. This time of year I have hollyhocks, Shasta daisies, balloon flowers, Black-Eyed Susans, asters, yarrow, echinacea, and more. There is always something new to see every time I walk through the space.
Enjoy these recent photos.
My perennial flower cutting garden is one of the first visitors see when entering the farm. It is large and filled with gorgeous blooms late spring through August. These are the showy flower heads of rudbeckia. Rudbeckia’s bright, summer-blooming flowers give the best effect when planted in masses in a border or wildflower meadow.
In general, rudbeckias are relatively drought-tolerant and disease-resistant. Flower colors include yellow and gold, and the plants grow two to six feet tall, depending on the variety.
There are still a few poppies thriving in the beds. Poppies produce open flowers that come in many colors from white and gray to crimson red.
They also come in different forms. Poppies are an attractive, easy to grow flower in both annual and perennial varieties. They require very little care, whether they are sown from seed or planted when young – they just need full sun and well-drained soil.
Here is a poppy seed pod, which is what’s left on the stem once the flower blooms and the petals fall off. As the seed heads turn brown with ripeness, it’s time to cut them and harvest the seeds. One can tell when pods are ripe by shaking the stem. If the pod rattles, it’s ready.
Just outside the flower garden, I have dark pink Astilbe – it adds whimsical texture to every space with its fluffy, pink spikes of flowers. Astilbes are wonderful shade perennials, known for their dark green foliage and plume-like blossoms. Flowers bloom mid-summer and make charming fresh or dried cut flowers.
These are the interesting leaves of variegated Nasturtium. Variegated Nasturtium leaves are circular, shield-shaped leaves that grow on a trailing plant. The leaves are fragrant, with a mustard-like scent.
Another plant with interesting foliage is Pulmoniaria. Pulmonaria are members of the Boraginaceae family and first cousin to other well-known garden favorites such as myosotis, brunnera, symphytum, and mertensia, the Virginia Bluebell. The name Pulmonaria come from the foliage, which is often green with white spots, resembling a diseased lung. In fact, its common name is lungwort. The silver spots on Pulmonaria leaves are actually the result of foliar air pockets used for cooling the lower surface of the leaves.
Achillea millefolium, commonly known as yarrow, is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is a hardy perennial with fernlike leaves and colorful blooms. The large, flat-topped flower clusters are perfect for cutting and drying.
The flower clusters or corymbs are made up of dozens of tiny daisy-like florets. Colors range from white and soft pink pastels to brilliant shades of yellow, red, orange, and gold.
Echinops is a genus of about 120 species of flowering plants in the daisy family Asteraceae, commonly known as globe thistles. They have spiny foliage and produce blue or white spherical flower heads. They are native to Europe, east to central Asia, and south to the mountains of tropical Africa.
This is a balloon flower, Platycodon grandiflorus – a species of herbaceous flowering perennial plant of the family Campanulaceae, and the only member of the genus Platycodon. It is native to East Asia and is also known as the Chinese bellflower or platycodon.
Balloon flowers get their name from the unopened buds, which swell up prior to opening and resemble little hot-air balloons.
The opened flowers resemble those of bellflowers, and while most often deep blue or purple, white and pink varieties are also available.
This is a double, white, bell-shaped flowers. Balloon flowers thrive in sun or partial shade. It likes well-drained, slightly acidic soil; and although the balloon flower plant will tolerate dry conditions, it prefers plenty of moisture. This cold hardy plant also does best in cooler conditions in summer, so afternoon shade is a good idea for warmer regions.
I grow many different asters in the garden. Asters are also called Starworts, Michaelmas Daisies, or Frost Flowers. They need little in the way of maintenance – they just need deadheading for more blooms the following season. Asters come in a great variety of colors including pink, white, red, orange, and their various shades, making them one of the most popular flowers for use in floral arrangements.
Johnny Jump Ups are a popular viola. They are native to Spain and the Pyrennes Mountains and are easy to grow. Small plants produce dainty, fragrant blooms – some in deep purple and yellow.
Phlox has superb heat and mildew resistance. They thrive here at the farm. Phlox is a tall and upright grower that’s great for the back of the border, or even planted at the edge of the garden among the shrubs. Phlox also comes in a range of colors from pure white to lavender to even red and grows happily in most parts of the country. If properly planted and sited, phlox is largely pest and disease free too – a perfect perennial.
Echinacea purpurea, or purple coneflower, is a hardy perennial. Echinacea purpurea has a large center cone, surrounded by colored petals that brighten the garden in mid-summer. Echinacea is a genus, or group of herbaceous flowering plants in the daisy family.
This is Alcea rosea, also known as the hollyhock. These plants can reach five to eight-feet tall and up to about four feet across.
Shasta daisy flowers provide perky summer blooms, offering the look of the traditional daisy along with evergreen foliage. They are low maintenance and great for filling in bare spots in the landscape. I hope your gardens are thriving this summer. What are some of your favorite mid-season blooms? Share them with me in the section below.
If you haven't done so already, check out my newest web site at Martha.com. It's our brand new "shop of shops" and it's LIVE right now. I know it will become one of your favorites!
On Martha.com, you can shop all the wonderful products I've collected, curated, and designed over the years - products that will help you get your home, your garden, and your kitchen tasks done efficiently, beautifully, and purposefully. Our product line includes home furnishings and accessories, gardening tools, plants and flower bulbs, gourmet foods, decor, kitchenware from our partner Sur La Table, and so much more. And we’re adding new products all the time. I am so proud of what we've developed - everything is created to encourage more beautiful and more functional everyday living.
Here's just sample of what's available. Enjoy these photos and visit Martha.com today!
Do you recognize the truck behind me? It was originally a US postal delivery truck from the 80s, which I bought years ago and had painted green for our catalog business, MarthabyMail. We repainted it a bright white to celebrate our new shop at Martha.com. And guess what? The truck still runs beautifully. I am so excited about our new shop. Click on the highlighted link and visit right now! You’ll love everything!
On Martha.com, you can get all the gardening planters I designed such as these Martha Stewart Faux Bois Planters. Embodying rustic charm with a realistic all-over bark texture, these planters match form with function. They feature raised feet and a drainage hole. The planters can be used indoors and out. They’re lightweight and come in three sizes – 9”, 14”, and 19”.
This is my Martha Stewart Faux Wicker Trough Planter. I love planting succulents in troughs like these. Made of durable resin, this planter comes in two sizes – 16” by 8.4” and 20” by 8.4” with drainage holes and raised feet.
And these are my Seashell Planters – inspired by my own authentic giant shells I have in Maine that I use for serving oysters at parties. They can also be used to chill wine. The planters are made of a durable resin and fiberglass and are available in 18”, 25”, and 32”.
One of my favorite tools in the garden is the Stainless Steel Hori Hori knife. It’s a true 5-in-1 utensil – use it as a digger, a serrated edge for cutting roots, a knife, a ruler, and a weeder. The knife, which was crafted in Japan, has inch markings on the 7.5-inch blade, a perfect feature for precision-oriented tasks like making sure plants and bulbs are planted at the right depth. Each knife comes with a comfortable wooden handle and a protective leather sheath.
You can also find spectacular bulbs from Colorblends, one of my favorite sources. These radiant, cascading pink tulips are ‘Gentle Giants®’ tulips with impressive 24 to 26 inch tall stems and robust, brightly-colored petals. Colorblends will ship them in the fall, when it is prime planting time.
And look at these gorgeous daffodils. Daffodils are among the easiest to grow. These have reflexed white petals and yellow cup fringed with a fiery red. You’ll find so many beautiful bulbs and plants available through Martha.com.
Also available on Martha.com – Hass Avocados from Frog Hollow, the most well-known variety, offering a smooth texture, nutty flavor, and smaller seed. Frog Hollow will send a shipment of the highest quality avocados to cook with, savor, and smear on toast, sandwiches, and tartines.
This kit of sundae sauces and toppings will make your favorite ice cream taste even better. The collection comes with a rich and velveting fudge sauce, incredibly high-quality and indulgent caramel, and as the special treat on top, bright and nostalgic maraschino cherries.
If you love caviar as much as I do, you’ll definitely want to order the ROE White Sturgeon Caviar Gift Set. The caviar has been cultivated on a farm in Northern California and salted once a month for freshness. The caviar boasts a buttery, briney, nutty flavor profile and contains no borax or preservatives. It is one of my favorites.
For the backyard, order my Martha Stewart Bedford wood burning fire pit. Designed with style and function, this sleek 24-inch round black powder coated durable steel fire bowl features a steel grate to elevate logs and maximize air flow for a good sized fire, plus a steel poker and rounded handles for easy moving.
And here’s my Martha Stewart Freehill Patio Set featuring a minimalist coffee table and stylishly modern club chairs and sofa. Each of the four pieces has a grey wood-look brushed aluminum frame and light blue cushions and throw pillows. The set comes with leveling feet on all components and features premium quality materials.
I always say, “if you eat, so should your plants.” Miracle-Gro’s Osmocote Flower and Vegetable Smart Release Plant Food used in the spring and the fall is all that’s needed to achieve simultaneous and long-lasting top growth and strong, hearty root development. This plant food is perfect for perennial, annual, and vegetable gardens.
Feed your visiting feathered friends with Martha Stewart Premium Bird Seed. The mix includes black oil sunflower seeds (high in fat and rich in oil) and millet. Use it in my copper bird feeder. Constructed with real copper, the feeder is washable and refillable and will attract many different birds.
One of the many eye-catching plants I keep in my greenhouse is the Ponytail Palm. Order your own in a charming 7” ceramic pot. Unfussy and low-maintenance, Ponytail Palms prefer indirect sunlight. And, since the bulbous trunk stores water, this plant can go about two weeks or more without watering.
This Martha Stewart Greek Key Border Indoor/Outdoor Rug is exactly the piece to bring a touch of exotic excitement to any space. The neutral colors beautifully accentuate the linear pattern, making this rug an updated classic. The rug was produced in Turkey and made of enhanced Polypropylene Frize, a durable, easy-to-clean, yet nicely textured material with a .25 pile. The rug is available in six sizes — from a runner to a full 9′ by 12’.
Our partner Sur La Table offers these Stainless Steel Cooling Grids. Uniquely sized to fit quarter- and half-sheet baking pans, these cooling racks are durable and dishwasher-safe.
I love serving paella at big gatherings. These are carbon steel Spanish Paella Pans from Sur La Table. They’re great to use when cooking authentic, family-style paella. Complete with a wide, flat surface, these shallow cooking vessels distribute heat evenly among ingredients while forming that famous soccarat, or delicious golden, caramelized crust that makes paella famous. They’re safe for ovens, stovetops or outdoor grilling – perfect for summer.
The two-piece set of La Marque 84 Stoneware Bakers from Sur La Table includes 2-quart and 3-quart options. The pieces are oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher-safe as well as stain and chip-resistant.
Visit Martha.com right now and start shopping. We’re adding so many wonderful products every single day! I know you’ll love so many of our offerings.